Faheem Ashraf steers Pakistan to win against Netherlands in T20 World Cup opener

Pakistan got off to a winning start in the T20 World Cup on Saturday, defeating the Netherlands in the opening match at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.

Chasing a target of 148, Pakistan reached 148/7 in 19.3 overs to secure a thrilling victory. After a collapse that saw seven wickets fall for 114 runs, Faheem Ashraf played a match-saving, aggressive innings of 29 off just 11 balls, guiding Pakistan over the line. Shaheen Afridi remained unbeaten on 5.

Earlier contributions came from Sahibzada Farhan (47), Saim Ayub (24), Babar Azam (15), and captain Salman Ali Agha (12). Shadab Khan added 8, while Muhammad Nawaz and Usman Khan were dismissed without scoring.

For the Netherlands, off-spinners Aryan Dutt and Paul van Meekeren claimed two wickets each, while Van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, and Kyle Klein took one apiece.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to field. The Netherlands posted 147 all out in 19.5 overs. Michael Levitt scored 24, Max O’Dowd 5, Colin Ackermann 20, Bas de Leede 30, and captain Scott Edwards 37. Logan van Beek scored 0, Zach Lion-Cachet 9, Roelof van der Merwe 4, Aryan Dutt 13, and Paul van Meekeren failed to score.

Pakistan’s bowlers were led by Salman Mirza with three wickets, while Muhammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, and Abrar Ahmed took two wickets each. Shaheen Afridi chipped in with one.