Faheem Ashraf’s match-winning cameo saves the T20 World Cup for Pakistan

Pakistan edge Netherlands by three wickets in a nail-biting Colombo thriller

Pakistan kicked off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a heart-stopping three-wicket victory over the Netherlands on Saturday in Colombo, thanks to a sensational late assault from Faheem Ashraf, who turned a near-collapse into a dramatic win.

Chasing a modest target of 148, Pakistan appeared in control early on, with Sahibzada Farhan anchoring the innings with a fluent 47 off 31 balls. However, what followed was a dramatic middle-order meltdown as the Netherlands’ bowlers struck in quick succession, reducing Pakistan to seven wickets down and putting the chase in serious jeopardy.

With pressure mounting and the required rate climbing, Faheem Ashraf produced a match-winning cameo, blasting an unbeaten 29 off just 11 deliveries, including two fours and three towering sixes. His fearless hitting shifted momentum in Pakistan’s favor when it mattered most.

The defining moment came in the 18th over, when Pakistan needed 29 runs off 12 balls. Faheem launched a brutal counterattack against Logan van Beek, smashing 24 runs in the over to bring Pakistan back into contention. In the final over, he sealed the contest with a boundary, sparking celebrations in the Pakistan camp.

Also, don't let Faheem's heroics distract you from the fact that Pakistan is currently going through a crisis in the middle order.

Overs 12-18 by our world-class batsmen:

12th - 0 runs. 2 wickets.

13th - 4 runs. 1 wickets.

14th - 5 runs.

15th - 4 runs.

16th - 3 runs. 1 wicket.

17th - 1 run. 1 wicket.

18th - 4 runs.

7 overs. 0 boundaries. 5 wickets.

Before the tense chase, Pakistan’s spin attack laid the foundation by restricting the Netherlands to 147 all out. The spinners maintained control through the middle overs, preventing the Dutch batters from building sustained partnerships and keeping the total within reach.

While Pakistan’s middle-order collapse raised concerns, the composure shown in the closing stages, led by Faheem’s calm under pressure ensured a winning start to their World Cup journey.

The match not only highlighted Pakistan’s depth and resilience but also served as an early reminder that in high-stakes tournaments, one explosive innings can redefine the outcome.