Pakistan edge the Netherlands to victory in T20 World Cup opener
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Shaheens hold firm against spirited Dutchmen
Pakistan confirmed our cricket predictions by kicking off their 2026 ICC T20 World Cup with a three-wicket victory over a plucky Netherlands at the SSC Cricket Ground in Sri Lanka on Saturday afternoon.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Shaheens took the wickets of Max O’Dowd and Michael Levitt in the powerplay. However, Bas de Leede and Colin Ackermann steadied the ship for the Flying Dutchman and got their side 65/3 by the eighth over.
Skipper Scott Edwards also played a key role batting at number five. He scored 37 runs off 29 balls, but the lower order crumbled, with the final five batters only adding 28 runs before they were bundled out for a total of 147 in the final over.
In response, Pakistan shot out the blocks thanks to a brisk 24 off 13 deliveries by Saim Ayub. The Dutch did well to slow the Shaheens momentum after the powerplay, knocking over Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Usman Khan and Shadab Khan for a combined total of 35 runs.
However, a crucial innings of 47 from 31 balls by Sahibzada Farhan and 29 off 11 by Faheem Ashraf proved key for the Green Shirts, as they navigated their side to victory with three balls to spare in the final over of the match.
Mixed signals over India-Pakistan World Cup clash
With the first matches in Group A now complete, focus is starting to shift to the blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan, which is scheduled to be played on February 15 in Colombo.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Pakistan revealed that they intend to boycott the match, but reports in the last 24 hours have suggested that the Shaheens have made a U-turn on that decision, following a discussion with the ICC.
However, Pakistan Cricket Board spokesperson Amir Mir has now responded to these claims, confirming that no discussion between the PCB and ICC has taken place. As it stands, the Green Shirts are still expected to skip the key fixture next week.
It is understood, though, that the ICC will attempt to engage with the PCB in the coming days to try to find a resolution, but to this point, it seems unlikely, considering that the team are acting on a directive from the Pakistan government.
