Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, Now that's more like Shaheen Afridi. Back of a length, around middle and off, going across the batter. Michael Levitt stays leg side to it and pokes at it away from his body but gets beaten.
Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, Much better from Shaheen Afridi as he attacks the stumps with a length delivery on off, Michael Levitt punches this to covers.
Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, FOUR! What a way to kickstart the T20 World Cup. Full and swinging down the leg, Michael Levitt steps out of the crease and flicks this through the left of the fielder at short fine leg for a boundary to get the game and tournament underway.
It's now time for the curtain-raiser! The weather is a bit overcast, which could play a big role in this game. We can see the Pakistan players in a huddle before they spread out to take the field. Michael Levitt and Max O'Dowd are the two openers for Netherlands. As expected, it is Shaheen Afridi who has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. One slip in place Let's play...
We are moments away from the start of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, and the flags of both nations are unfurled as the stage is set. The players from both sides now walk out to the middle for their respective national anthems. It will be the Netherlands first, followed by that of Pakistan.
PITCH REPORT - SSC pitch presents a fascinating dynamic for this opener, characterized by an uncharacteristic green tinge that has captured the attention of both camps. While the straight boundary from the South End stands at a daunting 82 metres, the shorter square and fine-leg boundaries offer plenty of scoring opportunities for those brave enough to take them on. The surface itself is remarkably hard and carries more grass than typically seen in Colombo, promising the kind of consistent pace and bounce that makes this one of the premier batting strips in Sri Lanka. Any early morning moisture has long since evaporated, yet the live grass suggests the seamers will find enough nibble with the new ball to keep the top order honest during the Powerplay.
The captain of Netherlands - Scott Edwards says that it is a good-looking wicket but they would have bowled first as well. Adds that he won't call it a must-win game, but it is a big one for them as you need to win at least 3 out of 4 games to qualify. Mentions that they have been in India and Sri Lanka for over a month and are used to the conditions now. Ends by saying that they have plenty of all-rounders and good options in both bowling and batting.
The skipper of Pakistan - Salman Agha noted his surprise at the conditions, admitting he had rarely seen such a significant covering of grass on a Sri Lankan pitch, which, combined with the intermittent rain forecast, made the prospect of early movement too tempting to ignore. While he offered a respectful nod to the Netherlands' dangerous lineup, the skipper made it clear that his focus remains inward, prioritising his squad's execution of their new aggressive approach as they look to kick off their World Cup campaign with authority.
Netherlands (Playing XI) - Max O'Dowd, Michael Levitt, Bas de Leede, Scott Edwards (C/WK), Colin Ackermann, Zach Lion-Cachet, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren.
Pakistan (Playing XI) - Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.
TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Salman Agha and Pakistan elect to BOWL first.