Pakistan Barely Escapes Netherlands’ 148-Run Trap in T20 World Cup 2026 Opening Match

February 7, 2026: Pakistan had a close call in their T20 World Cup 2026 opener against the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Saturday, February 7. Chasing a target of 148, Pakistan were in trouble at 114/7 and needed some late hitting from Faheem Ashraf to win the game in the final over.

All-rounder Faheem Ashraf saved Pakistan as they pulled off a dramatic three-wicket victory. Pakistan started well, reaching 90 for 2 midway through the innings, but then collapsed to 114 for 7 in 16.1 overs, still needing 34 runs.

Ashraf, coming in at No. 8 after being reprieved on seven, played a brilliant counterattack. He scored 29 runs off just 11 balls, including three sixes and a four, hitting the winning boundary in the final over to finish the chase with three balls to spare. A dropped catch by Max O’Dowd in the 19th over also helped Pakistan.

The run chase began with a solid opening partnership, with Sahibzada Farhan top-scoring with 47 off 31 balls and Saim Ayub adding 24 off 13 balls. However, Babar Azam struggled, scoring only 15 off 18 balls, while captain Salman Agha added 12 runs.

Paul van Meekeren caused Pakistan’s collapse with a double strike in the 12th over, removing Farhan and Usman Khan. After Babar’s dismissal, Pakistan fell further behind. From 98 for 2, they slid to 100 for 5 in just 10 balls. The only important partnership after that was a 45-run stand in the innings.

Netherlands Set 147, Pakistan Pull Off Thrilling Chase

Earlier, the Netherlands scored 147 all out in 19.5 overs after a good start. They were 50 for 2 in the power play and reached 79 for 3 at halfway. Scott Edwards scored 37 off 29 balls, and Bas de Leede added 30 off 25 balls, sharing a 40-run partnership.

However, Pakistan’s bowlers slowed the scoring with smart variations. This triggered a collapse, and the Dutch fell from 105 for 3 to 129 for 7.

Salman Mirza led the attack with 3 wickets for 24 runs, while Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Saim Ayub took important wickets. Their efforts kept the Netherlands under 150, setting up a tense but successful chase for Pakistan.