Netherlands had set the target of 148 after their innings saw early wickets fall in the first match of ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo ground
COLOMBO: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Feb 7th, 2026) Pakistan secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over the Netherlands in the opening match of the ICC T20 World Cup, successfully chasing a target of 148 runs.
Pakistan’s innings got off to a steady start with Sahibzada Farhan and Saem Ayub opening the batting. Ayub scored 24 off 13 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before being caught early, leaving Pakistan at 27 for one. Captain Salman Ali Agha was dismissed for 12 at 53, followed by Farhan who made 47, and Usman Khan who was out without scoring.
Babar Azam added 15 runs before being caught at 100, and Mohammad Nawaz contributed six runs. Shadab Khan scored eight before his dismissal. Pakistan’s lower order staged a strong finish as Fahim Ashraf smashed 29 off 11 balls, remaining not out, including three sixes and two boundaries. Shaheen Afridi remained unbeaten on five, guiding Pakistan to victory in 19.3 overs.
Earlier, the Netherlands set the target of 148 after their innings saw early wickets fall. Max O’Dowd scored five and was caught by Salman Mirza at 28, while Michael Leuw made 24 before being caught off Mohammad Nawaz. Colin Ackermann contributed 20 runs before being bowled by Abrar Ahmed. Other notable Netherlands scorers included Bas de Leede (30) and captain Scott Edwards (37).
For Pakistan, Salman Mirza took three wickets, while Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Saem Ayub claimed two each, and Shaheen Afridi picked up one.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who won the toss and chose to field first, praised the team’s disciplined bowling and said: “We aimed to restrict the Netherlands to a low score and perform well with three fast bowlers in the lineup. The players executed the plan effectively.”
Pakistan’s playing XI included Salman Ali Agha, Saem Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Fahim Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, and Shaheen Afridi.
