The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 got off to a dramatic start for Pakistan, who were pushed to the edge before sealing a tense three-wicket win over Netherlands in the Group A opener at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground. What looked like a routine chase turned into a thriller, with Faheem Ashraf producing a breathtaking late assault to ensure Pakistan began their campaign with two crucial points.
Netherlands fight hard after being put in to bat
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Pakistan struck early but never truly managed to run away with the contest. The Netherlands innings was held together by Scott Edwards, whose composed 37 off 29 deliveries anchored the middle phase. Support came from Bas de Leede and Michael Levitt, helping the Dutch side recover from early setbacks.
Pakistan’s bowling effort was shared evenly. Salman Mirza impressed with three wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with two apiece. Despite regular wickets, Netherlands kept chipping away and eventually posted a competitive 147 before being bowled out in the final over.
Flying start puts Pakistan in control before Netherlands comeback
Pakistan’s reply began in dominant fashion, with Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan tearing into the Dutch attack. Their aggressive strokeplay saw Pakistan race to 98 for 2, firmly in control of the chase and seemingly cruising towards victory.
However, the momentum shifted sharply when Netherlands struck back with a double-wicket maiden. Farhan and Usman Khan departed in quick succession, and the pressure told soon after as Babar Azam fell trying to steady the innings. What followed was a familiar Pakistan wobble, as wickets continued to tumble and the required rate began to climb.
The Netherlands sensed a famous opening-day upset as Pakistan slipped deeper into trouble. Paul van Meekeren led the charge with an excellent spell, finishing with two wickets for just 20 runs, while Aryan Dutt also claimed two scalps. With Pakistan losing wickets at regular intervals, the contest had decisively swung, and the Dutch camp dared to dream.
Also WATCH: Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi combine to take a spectacular catch in PAK vs NED clash at T20 World Cup 2026
Faheem Ashraf turns the game on its head
Then came the decisive 19th over. Knowing there was no option but to attack, Faheem launched Logan van Beek for a towering six off the first ball. The drama intensified on the next delivery when Max O’Dowd spilled a straightforward catch at long-on, handing Faheem a crucial reprieve.
From there, it was all about bravery and belief. Faheem made the most of his luck, smashing two more sixes and a four to all but seal the contest. His 29 off just 11 balls transformed the atmosphere, silencing Dutch hopes and sparking wild celebrations in the Pakistan camp.
Pakistan eventually crossed the line in 19.3 overs, winning by three wickets in a match that had swung wildly in both directions. Faheem was rightly named Player of the Match for his match-winning cameo, while Netherlands earned admiration for pushing a heavyweight side to the brink.
Here’s how fans reacted:
PAKISTAN DEFEATED NETHERLANDS BY 3 WICKETS.
– Faheem is the hero with bat. 👏 pic.twitter.com/mUleOY05I5
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 7, 2026
HEARTBREAK FOR NETHERLANDS. 💔
– The Dutch were close to create history in Colombo, but a drop catch turned the results in Pakistan’s favour. pic.twitter.com/E2ZqUMvsED
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 7, 2026
No surprises here! Faheem Ashraf with his game-changing cameo wins the Player of the Match award 💪#FaheemAshraf #T20WorldCup2026 #PAKvNED #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Ghx7GagTtf
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 7, 2026
A vital cameo from Faheem Ashraf carries Pakistan to victory in the #T20WorldCup opener 💪
📝: https://t.co/MB0N9eUpvK pic.twitter.com/bDjr74RC0a
— ICC (@ICC) February 7, 2026
BUILD THE STATUE OF RANA FAHEEM ASHRAF IN EVERY CITY OF PAKISTAN. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mw2QzMc1Yi
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) February 7, 2026
Pakistan narrowly won the opening match of the tournament by just 3 wickets against a weaker team.
If Faheem Ashraf’s catch had not been dropped, Pakistan would have lost the match.#PAKvNED #T20WC2026
— Eisha M (@MainEisha) February 7, 2026
29* OFF 11 BALLS AT STRIKE-RATE OF 264 FOR FAHEEM ASHRAF. HE WINS THE MATCH FOR PAKISTAN SINGLE-HANDEDLY ❤️❤️❤️ #T20WorldCup #FaheemAshraf pic.twitter.com/oRMdIgYEQa
— JahanZaib (@zeshanxafar1) February 7, 2026
Faheem Ashraf was dropped in the second ball of the 19th over
He went on to smash 16 more runs in a game-changing over
#PAKvsNED pic.twitter.com/Z6aX8P9p2f
— DR ADNAN ALI (@DrMalko) February 7, 2026
🚨 FIRST UPSET OF T20 WORLD CUP 2026!
PAKISTAN EDGE PAST NETHERLANDS BY 3 WICKETS AFTER A LAST-MINUTE TWIST IN COLOMBO.
A DROPPED CATCH OF FAHEEM ASHRAF COST THE DUTCH A HISTORIC WIN. 💔#PAKvNED #BabarAzam #BabarAzam𓃵 #NEDvPAK pic.twitter.com/aompjwB2Gi
— Rishab (@rishab70113) February 7, 2026
2️⃣9️⃣* off 1️⃣1️⃣ balls
Faheem ashraf played exceptional inning in first game of the T20 World Cup 2026 for Pakistan and won player of the match. #PAKvNED #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/IhZ3plFUeH
— M Suleman (@MSuleman479494) February 7, 2026
That one drop catch of Faheem Ashraf Cost them to loss this match.#T20WC2026 #Netherlands #PAKvNED #faheemashraf #BabarAzam https://t.co/7OvxfGzfUd
— hyperx (@hyperx248) February 7, 2026
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