Pakistan Beat Netherlands by 3 Wickets In T20 Wold Cup Opener

Pakistan edged Netherlands in a tense low-scoring clash, winning by three wickets in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup opener at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club. Netherlands were dismissed for 147 in 19.5 overs, before Pakistan scraped to 148/7 in 19.3 overs. The finish came with three balls left, after several late twists.

The contest swung often, with both sides on top at different stages. Pakistan’s spinners ripped through the Dutch middle order after a steady start. Later, opener Sahibzada Farhan anchored the chase with 47, while Faheem Ashraf’s late cameo calmed nerves. Debutant pacer Salman Mirza also delivered a key spell.

Pakistan vs Netherlands T20 World Cup bowling stars

Salman Mirza marked a T20 World Cup debut to remember, returning 3/24 from 3.5 overs. Across 14 T20Is for Pakistan, Mirza now owns 22 wickets at an average of 15.18, with an economy rate of 6.36. In all T20s, Mirza has collected 64 wickets in 40 matches, averaging a little above 15.

Spin support around Mirza proved just as vital. Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed claimed two wickets each in their four-over spells. Nawaz conceded 38 runs, while Abrar was tighter, giving away only 23. Nawaz now has 96 T20I wickets at 20.73, and Abrar’s tally stands at 48 at 16.91. Part-time option Saim Ayub struck twice, taking 2/7 in his single over.

Pakistan vs Netherlands T20 World Cup chase drama

The chase began confidently for Pakistan, reaching a strong position at 98/2. Farhan’s 47 at the top provided control, and Saim Ayub added 24, the only other batter passing 15. The middle order then stumbled, collapsing to 114/7 and reviving Dutch hopes. Faheem Ashraf steadied things with a brisk cameo, guiding Pakistan to 148/7.

Earlier, Netherlands had given themselves a platform with the bat. Four of the top five crossed 20, but none kicked on. Michael Levitt made 25, Bas de Leede hit 30, and Colin Ackermann compiled 20. Captain Scott Edwards led with 37. From 105/3, Netherlands crumbled against spin and were bowled out for 147 in the final over.

Scott Edwards finished as Netherlands’ highest scorer, making 37 from 29 balls with three fours and one six. That innings lifted Edwards’ T20I career total to 1,263 runs at an average of 22.96, including two fifties. Of those, 228 runs have come in T20 World Cups, where Edwards averages 17.53 across tournaments.

The result gave Pakistan an early win but also highlighted issues with the middle order. Netherlands pushed a strong side deep into the final over, helped by disciplined bowling and useful starts with the bat. Pakistan’s spin depth and Mirza’s debut spell stood out as the clearest positives from this tight opener.