Pakistan kicked off their T20I World Cup campaign with a tense three-wicket victory over the Netherlands in a Group A clash held in Colombo on Saturday. What looked like a comfortable chase at one stage turned into a nervy finish, but a late firework from Faheem Ashraf ensured Pakistan began their tournament on a winning note.
Chasing 148, Pakistan were handed a solid platform by their openers. Sahibzada Farhan played the anchor role with a composed 47, while Saim Ayub scored 24. But the momentum stalled soon after their dismissals. The middle order struggled to get going, losing wickets at regular intervals and allowing the Netherlands back into the game.
Meanwhile, Faheem Ashraf stepped up when it mattered most. Batting down the order, he produced a blistering unbeaten 29 off 11 deliveries, shifting the momentum decisively back in Pakistan’s favour. His massive hitting in the closing overs sealed the match.
Earlier deciding to bowl, Pakistan’s spinners laid the foundation for the win with a disciplined bowling display. They maintained tight lines, bowling the Netherlands out for 147. Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed took two wickets each, while pacer Salman Mirza returned with three wickets each to demolish the Netherlands.