T20 WC 2026: Pakistan vs Netherlands, Match 1 – Full highlights, top moments & winner details
Pakistan open their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a thrilling win over the Netherlands
Pakistan began their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a winning note, defeating the Netherlands by three wickets in the tournament opener. Chasing a modest target, Pakistan were tested at times but held their nerve in the closing stages, with Faheem Ashraf producing a decisive finishing act. His late burst ensured Pakistan crossed the line safely and set the tone for their World Cup journey.
Batting first, the Netherlands were restricted to 147, setting Pakistan a target of 148. Michael Levitt provided early momentum with a brisk 24 off 15 deliveries before Scott Edwards, the Netherlands skipper, and Bas de Leede took charge during the middle overs, working to stabilise the innings and maintain scoring momentum. Edwards top-scored with 37 off 29, while de Leede contributed 30 off 25, ensuring the innings remained competitive through that phase.
At one stage, the Netherlands looked on course for a total in excess of 160, reaching 127 by the end of the 16th over. However, Salman Ali Agha's bowlers produced an outstanding death-overs performance, giving away just 20 runs while picking up six wickets. The late collapse completely halted the Netherlands’ progress and prevented them from capitalising on a promising position.
Pakistan got off to a strong start with Saim Ayub blasting 24 off 13 deliveries, setting the early tempo, before Sahibzada Farhan’s 47 consolidated the advantage and put the chase firmly on track. What initially looked like a straightforward pursuit briefly became tricky as Pakistani middle order fell cheaply and dot balls built pressure.
However, Faheem Ashraf turned the game decisively in his team's favour, smashing 29 off 11 deliveries. With 29 needed off 12 balls, Faheem launched three sixes in the 19th over, effectively sealing the chase and ensuring the Men in Green crossed the line without further drama.
Top batting performance of the match — Sahibzada Farhan
The best batting performance of the day came from young opener Sahibzada Farhan, who set up the chase with a fluent 47 off 31 deliveries. Batting at a strike rate of 151.61, Farhan struck four fours and two sixes, combining intent with composure at the top of the order. By the time he departed, Pakistan were firmly in control, and the chase was all but sealed. Farhan was eventually dismissed by Paul van Meekeren, but his contribution had already tilted the game decisively in Pakistan’s favour.
Top bowling performance of the match — Abrar Ahmed
Abrar Ahmed was the standout bowler from the tournament opener, delivering a spell marked by control and sharp mystery spin. He repeatedly beat the Netherlands batters in flight and off the pitch, finishing with figures of 2 for 23 in four overs at an economy of just 5.8. The Dutch batters struggled to read his variations and found scoring difficult. Abrar first bowled Colin Ackermann with a beauty before removing Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards, a wicket that decisively shifted momentum.
Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved
- Mohammad Nawaz now leads all full-member sides for wickets since 2025, having taken 46 wickets in 30 innings, highlighting his sustained impact and consistency.
- It marked the fifth instance of a T20 World Cup match beginning with a boundary off the very first ball.
- Pakistan’s win today ensured they maintained their unbeaten streak against the Netherlands, extending their dominant head-to-head record against the Dutch.
Who was the Player of the Match?
Faheem Ashraf was named Player of the Match after producing a match-winning cameo that guided Pakistan home when the game threatened to slip away, helping them register their first win of the tournament.
When is the next match?
The next match of the tournament will see West Indies take on Scotland at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Pakistan will be back in action on 10 February, when they square off against the USA, while the Netherlands are also scheduled to play their next fixture on 10 February, facing Namibia.
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