ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Netherlands' 'dropped-catch' hands Pakistan hazardous full points

After being put to chase 148, Pakistan initially faltered, losing key wickets. However, Faheem Ashraf's late heroics, aided by a crucial dropped catch, saw Pakistan secure a three-wicket win.

Faheem Ashraf's late flurry helped Pakistan win against Netherlands. Image | X

Pakistan's campaign in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 got off to a shaky, close start with the Netherlands making them run for their money in the opening match in Colombo. Although it looked like an easy, comfortable win on the scorecard, Pakistan had to fight their way back to register a three-wicket win on Saturday.

Netherlands started well

After winning the toss and electing to field, Salman Ali Agha’s men faced a solid start from the Dutch team. Openers Michael Levitt (24) and Max O’Dowd came out swinging, propelling the Netherlands to 50/2 within the powerplay. However, the introduction of spin drastically shifted the momentum.

Pakistan’s spin bowling unit of Abrar Ahmed (2/23), Mohammad Nawaz (2/38), and the part-time mastery of Saim Ayub (2/7), wove a web that the Dutch middle order struggled to navigate.

Despite a steadying 37 from captain Scott Edwards and 30 from Bas de Leede, the Netherlands suffered a catastrophic collapse, losing their final six wickets for just 20 runs. Salman Mirza polished off the tail to finish with 3/24, leaving the Netherlands with a modest, yet defendable, 147.

A middle-order muddle from Pakistan

Pakistan’s pursuit of 148 began with characteristic flair. Sahibzada Farhan was the protagonist of the early exchange, hitting a quick 47 off 31 balls. He was well supported by Saim Ayub (24), and Pakistan looked to be cruising at 98/2.

However, the match turned its course when in the 12th over, Pakistan lost Farhan, Usman Khan, and Babar Azam (15) one after another.

Paul van Meekeren (2/20) and the disciplined Aryan Dutt (2/33) left Pakistan at 114/7, with fans sensing a shocking start to the T20 World Cup 2026.

Read also: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: India vs USA - team analysis, strengths and weaknesses.

Dropped catch and Faheem's heroics

With 29 runs required from the last two overs, Faheem delivered the late blow for Pakistan.

Logan van Beek, however, was unlucky as Faheem was dropped by Max O'Dowd, and the left-handed batter took advantage of the dropped catch by scoring 24 runs in the 19th over.

With five needed off the final over, Faheem finished things off to give Pakistan the full points.

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