Sat Feb 07 09:41:19 UTC 2026: ### Pakistan Stumbles to Victory Against Netherlands in T20 World Cup Opener
February 7, 2026 – Pakistan narrowly avoided a humiliating defeat in their T20 World Cup opener against the Netherlands, winning by a slim margin after a late-order surge led by Faheem Ashraf. Chasing a target of 148, Pakistan’s top order faltered, leaving them reeling at 114/7. Ashraf’s explosive innings of 29 off 11 balls ultimately secured the victory, much to the relief of Pakistani fans and the chagrin of their Dutch counterparts.
The match was a rollercoaster, with the Netherlands initially setting a strong pace, reaching 79/3 at the halfway mark. However, a collapse triggered by Pakistani spinners restricted them to 147 all out. Pakistan’s chase started positively, but a flurry of wickets put them in dire straits before Ashraf’s heroics saved the day.
Key Points:
- Pakistan defeated the Netherlands in their opening T20 World Cup match.
- The Netherlands set a target of 148, finishing at 147 all out after a batting collapse.
- Pakistan struggled in their chase, losing 7 wickets before Faheem Ashraf’s match-winning innings.
- Key Pakistani batsmen, including Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Salman Agha, failed to perform.
- Faheem Ashraf scored 29 off 11 balls, rescuing Pakistan from a likely defeat.
Key Takeaways:
- Pakistan’s batting lineup remains prone to collapses, even against weaker opposition.
- Faheem Ashraf demonstrated his value as a finisher, capable of delivering under pressure.
- The Netherlands proved they can be competitive, despite ultimately falling short.
- Pakistan needs to address its batting inconsistencies if it hopes to progress deep into the tournament.
- The match highlights the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where momentum can shift rapidly.
First Piper 