Faheem’s late blitz guides Pakistan to a tense win over Netherlands

By Alam Zeb Safi
COLOMBO: An explosive unbeaten cameo from Faheem Ashraf rescued Pakistan from a dramatic collapse and secured a three-wicket victory over the Netherlands in the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Friday.
Chasing a modest but tricky target of 148 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Pakistan stumbled badly in the second half of their innings before Faheem smashed 29 not out from 11 deliveries, including three sixes, to guide his side home with three balls remaining.
In the last two overs Pakistan needed 29 runs. Faheem Ashraf hit medium pacer Logan van Beek for three sixes and a four in the penultimate over which yielded 24 runs.
Pakistan then scored the remaining five runs in the last over with ease to romp to a sensational win.
Pakistan had appeared in control early in the chase after Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub gave them a flying start. Farhan struck four fours and two sixes in a fluent 47 off 31 balls while Ayub raced to 24 from 13 with four fours and a six as Pakistan reached 61 for two in the powerplay.
However, the Netherlands fought back sharply through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Off-spinner Aryan Dutt removed Ayub and captain Salman Agha in quick succession while veteran Roelof van der Merwe dismissed Babar Azam for a subdued 15 to stall Pakistan’s momentum.
From 98 for three, Pakistan slumped to 114 for seven as Paul van Meekeren and Kyle Klein chipped away with key wickets, leaving the match finely poised entering the final four overs.
Faheem then changed the complexion of the game in dramatic fashion, launching van Beek and Klein into the stands to swing the momentum decisively. His clean hitting relieved the pressure and ensured Pakistan crossed the line despite a spirited Dutch fightback.
Earlier, the Netherlands produced a competitive total after being asked to bat first. They recovered from early setbacks thanks to a measured innings from captain Scott Edwards, who top-scored with 37 off 29 balls, while Bas de Leede added 30 and Michael Levitt struck a brisk 24.
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control through the middle overs, preventing the Netherlands from accelerating late in the innings. Salman Mirza led the attack with three wickets for 24 runs, while Abrar Ahmed claimed two for 23, consistently breaking partnerships. Mohammad Nawaz (2-38) and Saim (2-7) also did extremely well.
Despite brief late resistance from Aryan Dutt, the Netherlands were bowled out for 147 with one ball remaining, a total that proved just short of enough against Pakistan’s late surge.
The win gives Pakistan two points to open their Group A campaign, while the Netherlands were left to reflect on missed opportunities after pushing one of the tournament favourites deep into the contest.
“Well played, Faheem Ashraf. Pakistan should learn from their mistakes in this match. They were almost knocked out of the tournament. The team still does not know how to play a big innings,” former Test opener Sadiq Mohammad told thecricketplus.com.
“All the top batsmen got out in double figures. Saim Ayub, who usually scores quickly, made 24 off 11 balls but still went for a six unnecessarily. The captain, coach, and batting coach need to guide the players properly. Despite getting a good start once again, Saim failed to convert it into a big innings. He is Pakistan’s top batsman and the team depends on him, but it is sad to see him throwing away his wicket like this,” Sadiq said.
Former ICC match referee Ishtiaq Ahmed was also dissatisfied with the batting performance of Pakistan.
“Finally, Pakistan won their first World Cup match against Holland. However, I am dissatisfied with their batting performance. The majority of our batsmen threw away their wickets unnecessarily. They do not know how to rotate the strike or take singles and doubles,” Ishtiaq told this correspondent.
“It was Faheem Ashraf’s batting that won the match; otherwise, the situation could have been very different. Thanks to Holland fielder who dropped an easy catch of Faheem Ashraf,” he said.
“I am worried about Pakistan’s batting as well as the bowling line-up. One left-arm fast bowler needs to be dropped. Usman Khan lacks proper shot selection. Playing 40 dot balls in a T20 match is unacceptable. Why is the management sitting like silent spectators instead of taking responsibility,” he said.

Summary Scorecard
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – Group A
1st Match, Colombo (SSC) | February 7, 2026
Netherlands 147 (19.5 overs)
Michael Levitt 24, Bas de Leede 30, Scott Edwards 37
Salman Mirza 3-24, Abrar Ahmed 2-23, Nawaz 2-38, Saim 2-7
Pakistan 148/7 (19.3 overs)
Sahibzada Farhan 47, Saim Ayub 24, Faheem Ashraf 29 (11)*
Paul van Meekeren 2-20, Aryan Dutt 2-33
Result: Pakistan won by 3 wickets (with 3 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Faheem Ashraf (Pakistan)
Points: Pakistan 2, Netherlands 0