T20 World Cup 2026: Faheem Ashraf’s Late Blitz Saves Pakistan from Opening-Day Upset Against Netherlands

Pakistan narrowly avoided a historic embarrassment in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup opener, securing a tense three-wicket victory over the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Saturday. In a match that swung wildly, it took a career-defining cameo from Faheem Ashraf to drag the Men in Green across the finish line after a middle-order implosion.

Match Summary: The Great Escape

Chasing a target of 148, Pakistan appeared to be cruising at 90/2 after 10 overs, thanks to a blistering 47 off 31 balls from Sahibzada Farhan. However, the introduction of the Dutch spinners triggered a collapse that saw Pakistan slip from 98/2 to 114/7.

With the required rate climbing and only the tail-enders left, the Netherlands were favorites until the 19th over. Faheem Ashraf, who was dropped by Max O’Dowd early in his innings, capitalized on the lifeline to smash 24 runs in the 19th over against Logan van Beek, effectively sealing the game.

Key Moments & Turning Points

• The “Tag-Team” Catch: Earlier in the day, the highlight of the first innings was a sensational relay catch between Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi to dismiss a dangerous-looking Michael Levitt.
• The Debutant’s Shine: Pacer Salman Mirza justified his selection with a disciplined three-wicket haul (3/24), ensuring the Dutch were bowled out just short of 150.
• The 19th Over Carnage: Faheem Ashraf turned the match on its head, hitting three sixes and a four in the penultimate over. He finished unbeaten on 29 off just 11 deliveries.

The Points Table Impact

With the Pakistan government currently maintaining a boycott stance for the February 15 clash against India, these two points are critical. A loss today would have left Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the Super 8s in severe jeopardy before the tournament had even properly begun.