Cricket world cup starts strong: Pakistan beats Netherlands 148-147 in thriller

Pakistan pulled off a stunning last-over escape against the Netherlands in a thrilling T20 World Cup opener on February 7, 2026. Faheem Ashraf’s explosive 29 off 11 balls salvaged what nearly became a historic upset. Pakistan finished 148 for 7 to edge Netherlands’ 147 by just 3 wickets with 3 balls remaining.

Dramatic Last-Over Finish Saves Pakistan’s World Cup

Pakistan seemed destined for catastrophe after collapsing from 98 for 2 to 114 for 7 in the chase. Babar Azam and the middle order crumbled under pressure, losing five wickets between the 12th and 19th overs. Netherlands looked poised to topple a major cricket power on the tournament’s opening night, needing only a few contained balls.

Enter Faheem Ashraf. The all-rounder stepped up when the pressure intensified most. In the penultimate over bowled by Logan van Beek, Ashraf was dropped by Max O’Dowd at long-on and made the most of his reprieve. He plundered 24 runs off 6 balls with three towering sixes, swinging the momentum completely. Pakistan’s survival became inevitable.

Netherlands’ Brilliant Performance Falls Just Short

The Netherlands provided a world-class batting display that had Pakistan nervous for most of the chase. Opening with aggressive intent, they posted 147 in 19.5 overs, built on solid partnerships. Scott Edwards contributed 37 runs, while Bas de Leede added 30, showing resilience and range.

However, a disastrous final four overs proved costly. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Salman Mirza with 3 for 24, tightened the screws late, restricting the Netherlands to just 20 runs across six wickets in the death overs. Pacer Paul van Meekeren took 2 for 20, proving he remains a force in T20 cricket.

Match Statistics and Key Performances

Category	Pakistan	Netherlands
Total Score	148 for 7	147 all out
Overs Faced	19.3	19.5
Top Scorer	Sahibzada Farhan (47)	Scott Edwards (37)
Best Bowler	Salman Mirza (3-24)	Paul van Meekeren (2-20)

Sahibzada Farhan had launched Pakistan’s chase with 47 runs off 31 balls, giving the team early momentum. Saim Ayub also chipped in with a quick 24, but the middle order’s inability to sustain momentum nearly proved fatal.

“Needing 29 runs from the final two overs following a middle-order collapse, Faheem Ashraf delivered when it mattered for Pakistan.”

— Cricket Report

Pakistan’s Qualification Hopes Strengthened

The victory puts Pakistan atop their group with 2 points, a crucial start in the tournament. Missing early defeats is vital in the T20 World Cup format, where momentum builds rapidly. While the performance raised concerns about the middle order’s fragility, the ability to escape from 114 for 7 demonstrates the fighting spirit this squad possesses.

Pakistan’s tournament begun in Colombo with drama and entertainment, setting the stage for an unpredictable World Cup. Group opponents including New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Canada will have watched closely, now aware that Pakistan’s talent can overcome even the steepest odds.

What Does This Thriller Mean for Both Teams Going Forward?

For the Netherlands, this loss stings deeply. They proved competitive against a top-ranked team and came agonizingly close to a famous upset. Their aggressive approach and disciplined bowling showed they belong at this level. The margin is narrow, and confidence won’t be shattered, but collecting points quickly becomes essential.

Pakistan must address their middle-order inconsistency urgently. Babar Azam’s struggle (15 off 18) and the cascading collapses exposed vulnerabilities. However, having stars like Faheem Ashraf capable of finishing games provides hope. Will this escape prove a turning point, or a warning sign of deeper issues? The next Group A matches will tell.

Sources

• ESPN Cricket: Full scorecard and match reports from Pakistan vs Netherlands opener
• Al Jazeera Sports: Faheem Ashraf leads Pakistan to nervy victory in T20 World Cup
• Sky Sports Cricket: Pakistan avoid shock defeat with dramatic boundary-burst finish