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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Feb 07, 2026, 14:57:50 IST
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Pakistan vs Netherlands highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: Faheem Ashraf unleashes sixes as Pakistan beat Netherlands by 3 wickets in Colombo
Pakistan vs Netherlands highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan opened their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign with a nervy three-wicket win over the Netherlands in Colombo on Saturday, surviving a late scare in a match that swung dramatically before Faheem Ashraf’s power-hitting sealed the contest with three balls to spare.
Asked to bat, the Netherlands made a promising start but lost momentum in the latter half of their innings to be bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs. Michael Levitt set the tone early with a brisk 24 off 15 balls, while Bas de Leede (30) and Scott Edwards (37) provided stability through the middle overs. However, Pakistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals to prevent the Dutch from accelerating at the death.
Salman Mirza was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 3 for 24, while Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with two wickets apiece. Saim Ayub’s surprise spell also proved effective, as Pakistan ensured the Netherlands never truly broke free after posting 50 in the Powerplay.
In response, Pakistan raced out of the blocks through Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan. Ayub’s 24 off 13 and Farhan’s fluent 47 off 31 had Pakistan cruising at 98 for 2, firmly in control of the chase. But what followed was a familiar wobble. Paul van Meekeren produced a sensational double-wicket maiden, removing Farhan and Usman Khan, before Roelof van der Merwe dismissed Babar Azam to leave Pakistan reeling.
The middle order struggled to regain momentum as Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz fell in quick succession, tilting the match decisively towards the Netherlands. With pressure mounting and the asking rate climbing, Faheem Ashraf took matters into his own hands.
In the 19th over, Ashraf launched Logan van Beek for three sixes and a four in a breathtaking assault that turned the game on its head. A dropped catch only added to the drama as the all-rounder powered Pakistan to the brink. He finished unbeaten on 29 off just 11 balls, earning the Player of the Match award.
Despite standout bowling efforts from van Meekeren (2/20) and Aryan Dutt (2/33), the Netherlands fell just short. Pakistan, bruised but victorious, walked away with two crucial points to start their World Cup journey.
Asked to bat, the Netherlands made a promising start but lost momentum in the latter half of their innings to be bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs. Michael Levitt set the tone early with a brisk 24 off 15 balls, while Bas de Leede (30) and Scott Edwards (37) provided stability through the middle overs. However, Pakistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals to prevent the Dutch from accelerating at the death.
Salman Mirza was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 3 for 24, while Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with two wickets apiece. Saim Ayub’s surprise spell also proved effective, as Pakistan ensured the Netherlands never truly broke free after posting 50 in the Powerplay.
In response, Pakistan raced out of the blocks through Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan. Ayub’s 24 off 13 and Farhan’s fluent 47 off 31 had Pakistan cruising at 98 for 2, firmly in control of the chase. But what followed was a familiar wobble. Paul van Meekeren produced a sensational double-wicket maiden, removing Farhan and Usman Khan, before Roelof van der Merwe dismissed Babar Azam to leave Pakistan reeling.
The middle order struggled to regain momentum as Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz fell in quick succession, tilting the match decisively towards the Netherlands. With pressure mounting and the asking rate climbing, Faheem Ashraf took matters into his own hands.
In the 19th over, Ashraf launched Logan van Beek for three sixes and a four in a breathtaking assault that turned the game on its head. A dropped catch only added to the drama as the all-rounder powered Pakistan to the brink. He finished unbeaten on 29 off just 11 balls, earning the Player of the Match award.
Despite standout bowling efforts from van Meekeren (2/20) and Aryan Dutt (2/33), the Netherlands fell just short. Pakistan, bruised but victorious, walked away with two crucial points to start their World Cup journey.
11:02 (IST) Feb 07
0
Overs0.3
Score4 - 0
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.
11:01 (IST) Feb 07
0
Overs0.2
Score4 - 0
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.
11:00 (IST) Feb 07
4
Overs0.1
Score4 - 0
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.
10:59 (IST) Feb 07
PAK vs NED T20 World Cup Live Score: It's time for action!
Netherlands openers Michael Levitt and Max ODowd are in the middle
Shaheen Afridi has the new ball. He will open the attack for Pakistan.
Here we go ... !!!
Shaheen Afridi has the new ball. He will open the attack for Pakistan.
Here we go ... !!!
10:57 (IST) Feb 07
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...
10:55 (IST) Feb 07
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.
10:52 (IST) Feb 07
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.
10:43 (IST) Feb 07
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.
10:40 (IST) Feb 07
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.
10:39 (IST) Feb 07
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.
10:39 (IST) Feb 07
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.
10:35 (IST) Feb 07
PAK vs NED T20 World Cup Live Score: TOSS!
Pakistan captain Salman Agha wins toss, opts to field vs Netherlands in tournament opener
10:34 (IST) Feb 07
TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Salman Agha and Pakistan elect to BOWL first.
10:30 (IST) Feb 07
PAK vs NED T20 World Cup Live Score: STAT ATTACK
Which team has won more in Colombo, batting first or bowling first?
Since 2023 in domestic T20 games - Bat 1st won: 10 | Bat 2nd won: 14 | No result: 2
Since 2023 in domestic T20 games - Bat 1st won: 10 | Bat 2nd won: 14 | No result: 2
10:16 (IST) Feb 07
PAK vs NED T20 World Cup Live Score: Netherlands record
The Netherlands have been a regular feature at T20 World Cups since 2014, and this edition marks their seventh appearance. In 27 matches, they have registered 10 victories — several of them memorable upsets.
09:55 (IST) Feb 07
PAK vs NED T20 World Cup Live Score: STAT ATTACK!
Pakistan and the Netherlands have faced each other twice in the shortest format — both encounters coming in T20 World Cups — with the Asian side emerging victorious on both occasions.
09:32 (IST) Feb 07
PAK vs NED T20 World Cup Live Score: 'Pakistan's India game boycott isn't our concern'
The “perceived” pressure on Pakistan following their decision to boycott the match against India is of little concern to Netherlands opener Max O’Dowd, who said his side is fully focused on winning its T20 World Cup opener against Salman Ali Agha’s team here on Saturday.
Pakistan’s decision to sit out the league fixture against India in solidarity with the ousted Bangladesh means they must win their remaining three matches, starting with the clash against the Dutch, to qualify for the Super Eight stage.
When asked whether Pakistan would be under added pressure because of the boycott, O’Dowd made it clear that the Netherlands are not distracted by off-field developments. “Look, to be honest, I don't have much to say about Pakistan boycotting against India, that's completely out of our control. We just kind of focus on what we're doing, what we need to do tomorrow, which is to try and beat Pakistan,” he said.
He added that his team’s approach is to take the tournament one game at a time. “We have got three (vs USA, Namibia and India) very important games coming up after that, so we just have to play the game that's in front of us and everything else will unfold.”
O’Dowd, who has featured in 87 T20Is and boasts a strike rate of 122 along with a century and 16 fifties, was reluctant to reveal specific plans, though he acknowledged that the team has prepared for individual match-ups. “I'm not going to come out here the day before a game and tell you what we're going to exploit, there's definitely areas that we speak about, we have our analysis meetings and there's certain things with certain guys and that's what we'll try and exploit,” he said.
At the same time, he underlined the quality of the opposition. “But then again, you've got to understand, they're very good players and sometimes plans work, sometimes they don't, but you have to be as prepared as you can, which we feel we are.”
Pakistan’s bowling attack includes a variety of spin options, with left-arm orthodox Mohammad Nawaz, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, off-spinner Saim Ayub and the side-arm off-spin of Usman Tariq.
Acknowledging the challenge, O’Dowd said the Netherlands have put in extensive preparation. “Of course, they've got high quality spinners, thankfully we've spent the last month and a half working very hard on that end and facing spin in these conditions and like I said, guys have upskilled and we've done our homework on a lot of their spin bowlers,” he said.
“For us, it's going to be tough of course, just like any other team that we come up against because Pakistan have got a great spinning group, but we feel confident that we can play our style and be successful.”
Pakistan’s decision to sit out the league fixture against India in solidarity with the ousted Bangladesh means they must win their remaining three matches, starting with the clash against the Dutch, to qualify for the Super Eight stage.
When asked whether Pakistan would be under added pressure because of the boycott, O’Dowd made it clear that the Netherlands are not distracted by off-field developments. “Look, to be honest, I don't have much to say about Pakistan boycotting against India, that's completely out of our control. We just kind of focus on what we're doing, what we need to do tomorrow, which is to try and beat Pakistan,” he said.
He added that his team’s approach is to take the tournament one game at a time. “We have got three (vs USA, Namibia and India) very important games coming up after that, so we just have to play the game that's in front of us and everything else will unfold.”
O’Dowd, who has featured in 87 T20Is and boasts a strike rate of 122 along with a century and 16 fifties, was reluctant to reveal specific plans, though he acknowledged that the team has prepared for individual match-ups. “I'm not going to come out here the day before a game and tell you what we're going to exploit, there's definitely areas that we speak about, we have our analysis meetings and there's certain things with certain guys and that's what we'll try and exploit,” he said.
At the same time, he underlined the quality of the opposition. “But then again, you've got to understand, they're very good players and sometimes plans work, sometimes they don't, but you have to be as prepared as you can, which we feel we are.”
Pakistan’s bowling attack includes a variety of spin options, with left-arm orthodox Mohammad Nawaz, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, off-spinner Saim Ayub and the side-arm off-spin of Usman Tariq.
Acknowledging the challenge, O’Dowd said the Netherlands have put in extensive preparation. “Of course, they've got high quality spinners, thankfully we've spent the last month and a half working very hard on that end and facing spin in these conditions and like I said, guys have upskilled and we've done our homework on a lot of their spin bowlers,” he said.
“For us, it's going to be tough of course, just like any other team that we come up against because Pakistan have got a great spinning group, but we feel confident that we can play our style and be successful.”
09:12 (IST) Feb 07
PAK vs NED T20 World Cup Live Score: Politics leave Pakistan no room for error
Captain Salman Agha warned Friday that his Pakistan team must bring their "A-game" to the T20 World Cup to reach the knockout stages after forfeiting their group match against India.
The tournament has been overshadowed by an acrimonious political build-up as Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland and Pakistan refused to face co-hosts India in their Group A fixture.
Pakistan will lose two points for the forfeit and also suffer a significant blow to their net run rate, leaving little margin for error.
Even one abandoned match due to bad weather could complicate their path to the next round.
Pakistan open their campaign on Saturday in Sri Lanka against the Netherlands and will also face Namibia and the United States.
"We need to be cautious and bring our A-game," Agha told reporters, admitting Pakistan have limited experience of the Netherlands and "don't know many" of their players.
"We intend to unleash all our spin options because we feel they are vulnerable against quality spin," he said.
The 2009 champions will lean heavily on their explosive opening pair Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, with Agha slated for number three.
Former skipper Babar Azam -- who has struggled for form -- slots in at number four.
"Babar has been working overtime on his game. He's a key player in these conditions and can change a match in a few overs. We depend on him heavily," Agha said.
Pakistan are on a high after a 3-0 whitewash of Australia at home.
The team will seek advice from their government if they reach the knockout phase and meet arch-rivals India.
The tournament has been overshadowed by an acrimonious political build-up as Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland and Pakistan refused to face co-hosts India in their Group A fixture.
Pakistan will lose two points for the forfeit and also suffer a significant blow to their net run rate, leaving little margin for error.
Even one abandoned match due to bad weather could complicate their path to the next round.
Pakistan open their campaign on Saturday in Sri Lanka against the Netherlands and will also face Namibia and the United States.
"We need to be cautious and bring our A-game," Agha told reporters, admitting Pakistan have limited experience of the Netherlands and "don't know many" of their players.
"We intend to unleash all our spin options because we feel they are vulnerable against quality spin," he said.
The 2009 champions will lean heavily on their explosive opening pair Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, with Agha slated for number three.
Former skipper Babar Azam -- who has struggled for form -- slots in at number four.
"Babar has been working overtime on his game. He's a key player in these conditions and can change a match in a few overs. We depend on him heavily," Agha said.
Pakistan are on a high after a 3-0 whitewash of Australia at home.
The team will seek advice from their government if they reach the knockout phase and meet arch-rivals India.
09:11 (IST) Feb 07
PAK vs NED T20 World Cup Live Score: SQUADS
Squads:
Netherlands Squad: Michael Levitt, Max ODowd, Bas de Leede, Zach Lion Cachet, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards(w/c), Noah Croes, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren, Timm van der Gugten, Saqib Zulfiqar, Fred Klaassen
Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha(c), Khawaja Nafay(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq
Netherlands Squad: Michael Levitt, Max ODowd, Bas de Leede, Zach Lion Cachet, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards(w/c), Noah Croes, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren, Timm van der Gugten, Saqib Zulfiqar, Fred Klaassen
Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha(c), Khawaja Nafay(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq
09:11 (IST) Feb 07
PAK vs NED T20 World Cup Live Score: Weather challenges
Pakistan could also face weather challenges in Colombo, where their group games are scheduled, with their only warm-up match against Ireland washed out. “Weather is not in our control… and we only think about how to win the three matches that we have...”
Addressing criticism of Pakistan’s past ICC performances against India, Salman said improvement was the priority. “We cannot run away from that… our effort is that we enhance our game and the mistakes that we made earlier, should not be repeated.”
He acknowledged death bowling as a concern but expressed optimism, and also backed Usman Tariq amid scrutiny over his action. “Yes, he is the X Factor of the team… we will definitely use him there.”
Addressing criticism of Pakistan’s past ICC performances against India, Salman said improvement was the priority. “We cannot run away from that… our effort is that we enhance our game and the mistakes that we made earlier, should not be repeated.”
He acknowledged death bowling as a concern but expressed optimism, and also backed Usman Tariq amid scrutiny over his action. “Yes, he is the X Factor of the team… we will definitely use him there.”
09:11 (IST) Feb 07
PAK vs NED T20 World Cup Live Score: 'Growing up as a kid ... ' - Agha
Emphasising the responsibility players carry, he added: “Growing up as a kid, I've always seen people doing what was required for the game to be improved. We, to some extent, are role models… So, I think these things should not happen. Because if you think of role models, I think role models don't do this stuff.”
By boycotting the India match, Pakistan will forfeit two crucial points, meaning they must win their remaining three games to progress. Apart from India, their group includes the Netherlands, USA and Namibia.
Salman insisted there was no added pressure. “No, there is no pressure at all because whenever you come to an ICC tournament, you have to win almost all of your games,” he said, adding that the team arrived with the mindset of winning every match.
By boycotting the India match, Pakistan will forfeit two crucial points, meaning they must win their remaining three games to progress. Apart from India, their group includes the Netherlands, USA and Namibia.
Salman insisted there was no added pressure. “No, there is no pressure at all because whenever you come to an ICC tournament, you have to win almost all of your games,” he said, adding that the team arrived with the mindset of winning every match.
09:10 (IST) Feb 07
PAK vs NED T20 World Cup Live Score: Hello and welcome!
Hello and welcome to the Live coverage of ICC T20 World Cup match between Pakistan and Netherlands.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha on Friday said the team is determined to block out the off-field distractions surrounding its planned boycott of the India match and instead concentrate on winning its remaining group fixtures to qualify for the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup.
Former champions Pakistan, who lifted the title in 2009, are entering the tournament amid controversy following their decision to boycott the February 15 group match against arch-rivals India. The move was taken in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland after refusing to travel to India citing security concerns.
Asked how the team was coping with the situation, Salman said the focus was firmly on cricket. “By just avoiding that. It's something we, as a group, we don't really talk about and we don't really see what's happening outside in the group. And I think that's the best we can do. We can avoid all this and just focus on our game.”
Since September last year, Indian teams have adopted a no-handshake policy with Pakistan in international matches in solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam attack. Salman said such developments were unfortunate. “We don't really feel hurt or anything like that. But for the game it is not good. These things obviously should not happen,” he said.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha on Friday said the team is determined to block out the off-field distractions surrounding its planned boycott of the India match and instead concentrate on winning its remaining group fixtures to qualify for the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup.
Former champions Pakistan, who lifted the title in 2009, are entering the tournament amid controversy following their decision to boycott the February 15 group match against arch-rivals India. The move was taken in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland after refusing to travel to India citing security concerns.
Asked how the team was coping with the situation, Salman said the focus was firmly on cricket. “By just avoiding that. It's something we, as a group, we don't really talk about and we don't really see what's happening outside in the group. And I think that's the best we can do. We can avoid all this and just focus on our game.”
Since September last year, Indian teams have adopted a no-handshake policy with Pakistan in international matches in solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam attack. Salman said such developments were unfortunate. “We don't really feel hurt or anything like that. But for the game it is not good. These things obviously should not happen,” he said.
Pakistan vs Netherlands highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan opened their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign with a nervy three-wicket win over the Netherlands in Colombo on Saturday, surviving a late scare in a match that swung dramatically before Faheem Ashraf’s power-hitting sealed the contest with three balls to spare.
Asked to bat, the Netherlands made a promising start but lost momentum in the latter half of their innings to be bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs. Michael Levitt set the tone early with a brisk 24 off 15 balls, while Bas de Leede (30) and Scott Edwards (37) provided stability through the middle overs. However, Pakistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals to prevent the Dutch from accelerating at the death.
Salman Mirza was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 3 for 24, while Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with two wickets apiece. Saim Ayub’s surprise spell also proved effective, as Pakistan ensured the Netherlands never truly broke free after posting 50 in the Powerplay.
In response, Pakistan raced out of the blocks through Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan. Ayub’s 24 off 13 and Farhan’s fluent 47 off 31 had Pakistan cruising at 98 for 2, firmly in control of the chase. But what followed was a familiar wobble. Paul van Meekeren produced a sensational double-wicket maiden, removing Farhan and Usman Khan, before Roelof van der Merwe dismissed Babar Azam to leave Pakistan reeling.
The middle order struggled to regain momentum as Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz fell in quick succession, tilting the match decisively towards the Netherlands. With pressure mounting and the asking rate climbing, Faheem Ashraf took matters into his own hands.
In the 19th over, Ashraf launched Logan van Beek for three sixes and a four in a breathtaking assault that turned the game on its head. A dropped catch only added to the drama as the all-rounder powered Pakistan to the brink. He finished unbeaten on 29 off just 11 balls, earning the Player of the Match award.
Despite standout bowling efforts from van Meekeren (2/20) and Aryan Dutt (2/33), the Netherlands fell just short. Pakistan, bruised but victorious, walked away with two crucial points to start their World Cup journey.
Asked to bat, the Netherlands made a promising start but lost momentum in the latter half of their innings to be bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs. Michael Levitt set the tone early with a brisk 24 off 15 balls, while Bas de Leede (30) and Scott Edwards (37) provided stability through the middle overs. However, Pakistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals to prevent the Dutch from accelerating at the death.
Salman Mirza was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 3 for 24, while Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with two wickets apiece. Saim Ayub’s surprise spell also proved effective, as Pakistan ensured the Netherlands never truly broke free after posting 50 in the Powerplay.
In response, Pakistan raced out of the blocks through Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan. Ayub’s 24 off 13 and Farhan’s fluent 47 off 31 had Pakistan cruising at 98 for 2, firmly in control of the chase. But what followed was a familiar wobble. Paul van Meekeren produced a sensational double-wicket maiden, removing Farhan and Usman Khan, before Roelof van der Merwe dismissed Babar Azam to leave Pakistan reeling.
The middle order struggled to regain momentum as Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz fell in quick succession, tilting the match decisively towards the Netherlands. With pressure mounting and the asking rate climbing, Faheem Ashraf took matters into his own hands.
In the 19th over, Ashraf launched Logan van Beek for three sixes and a four in a breathtaking assault that turned the game on its head. A dropped catch only added to the drama as the all-rounder powered Pakistan to the brink. He finished unbeaten on 29 off just 11 balls, earning the Player of the Match award.
Despite standout bowling efforts from van Meekeren (2/20) and Aryan Dutt (2/33), the Netherlands fell just short. Pakistan, bruised but victorious, walked away with two crucial points to start their World Cup journey.
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