WEB DESK: Pakistan held their nerve in a tense finish at the SSC to secure a three-wicket victory over the Netherlands with just three balls to spare, surviving a dramatic middle-order collapse in their opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Chasing 148, Pakistan appeared in control for much of the innings before Dutch seamers, led by Paul van Meekeren, triggered a stunning turnaround that left the Men in Green needing 29 runs from the final two overs.

The match swung back decisively in the 19th over when Faheem Ashraf launched a brutal assault on Logan van Beek, smashing three sixes and two boundaries in a 24-run over. The surge was aided by a costly dropped catch by Max O’Dowd, allowing Pakistan to regain momentum.

Faheem then sealed the win in the final over by carving Bas de Leede to the boundary, finishing unbeaten on 25 off just nine balls and ensuring Pakistan began their campaign with two crucial points.

Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan played a commanding knock of 45 off 27 deliveries, while Babar Azam provided stability during the chase. Pakistan had reached 90/2 at one stage, needing only 58 runs from 60 balls, before losing wickets in quick succession to turn a routine chase into a thriller.

The Netherlands had earlier been bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs after suffering a collapse in the death overs, losing six wickets for just 26 runs in the final five overs. Abrar Ahmed emerged as the standout bowler, while part-time spin from Saim Ayub also proved decisive with two wickets in the 17th over.

Captain Scott Edwards top-scored for the Dutch with 37, but Pakistan’s spinners tightened the screws late in the innings to restrict the Netherlands below a competitive total.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that ultimately paid off as Pakistan overcame late drama to register a winning start in Colombo.