HIGHLIGHTS Pakistan vs Netherlands, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, 1 T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the chase! Saim Ayub has walked out with Sahibzada Farhan to open for Pakistan. It will be spin to start for the Netherlands as Aryan Dutt has the ball in his hands.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

The chase ahead - On paper, a target of 148 is well within the reach of the Pakistan side. However, as history has shown, Pakistan’s performances on the world stage are rarely devoid of drama. While they possess the firepower and a new, aggressive strategy to chase this down comfortably, the Big Stage jitters that often plague the Green Shirts remain a factor. With 147 on the board, the Dutch have a modest but defendable total. If they can apply early scoreboard pressure, we could be in for a classic. Stay tuned as we return with the chase.

Pakistan’s spin web - The primary cause of the Dutch collapse was the introduction of Pakistan’s multi-faceted spin attack. The quartet of Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Shadab Khan proved to be the ultimate difference-makers, dismantling the middle order and claiming six wickets in total. Saim, Nawaz, and Abrar were particularly clinical, picking up two scalps each and squeezing the life out of the scoring rate. While Shaheen Shah Afridi endured an expensive opening spell, he returned late to claim a wicket, supported by Salman Mirza, who provided a vital breakthrough to wrap the tail and end with 3 wickets to help restrict the Dutch to 147.

The launch that never came - Despite the early fireworks, the Netherlands will feel they left runs on the table after promising so much more. Around the 13-over mark, the Dutch were cruising at 105/4 and looked poised for a massive finish. However, they completely lost their way in the final six overs. Key figures like Scott Edwards, Michael Levitt, and Bas de Leede all looked comfortable but fell at critical junctures just as they were preparing to launch. This inability to maintain a set batter into the death overs saw the innings stutter, leaving them perhaps 30-40 runs short of the towering total they once seemed destined to reach.

The Dutch charge and fall - What an epic collapse for the Dutch! From 127/4, their innings nosedived and got bundled out for 147. Adopting a fearless front-foot philosophy, the Dutch raced to 50 runs within the Powerplay for the loss of just two wickets. Michael Levitt set the tone early, spearheading an aggressive intent. There was no tentative feeling-out period as every batter arrived with a crystal-clear mandate to play each delivery on its merit while hunting for boundaries. Although the innings lacked the desired finishing touches.

Salman Mirza to Paul van Meekeren, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Salman Mirza wraps things up here. He hits the length hard and on middle. Paul van Meekeren backs away and has a big heave across the line. He loses his bottom hand and gets a thick outside edge behind, where the keeper, Usman Khan, makes no mistake. Netherlands have been bowled out for 147.

Paul van Meekeren is the last batter out in the middle to bat for the Netherlands.

Salman Mirza to Aryan Dutt, OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust. Salman Mirza bowls this fuller, on middle and leg, takes pace off. Aryan Dutt has a no-look slog at it but only manages to get a top edge due to the lack of pace on the ball. It goes miles in the air towards deep square leg, where two fielders converge, but the calling from Sahibzada Farhan is good. He moves to his left, settles under it and takes a fine catch. Nine down for Netherlands.

Salman Mirza to Aryan Dutt, Pitched up and around off, Aryan Dutt drills it away, beating extra cover, but the fielder in the deep runs to his right and makes a good sliding stop. Two taken.

Salman Mirza to Aryan Dutt, Salman Mirza bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on middle. Aryan Dutt sways away and tries to upper cut it but it is a bit too quick for him.

Salman Mirza to Kyle Klein, Short of a length and outside off, Kyle Klein cuts it to deep point for a single. Good result for the Dutch as Dutt is back on strike.

Salman Mirza to bowl the final over of this inning.

Shaheen Afridi to Aryan Dutt, FOUR! Powered away! Shaheen Afridi misses the yorker again, serves this full and outside off. Aryan Dutt extends his arms to get right underneath it and smacks it through extra cover for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Kyle Klein, Full and wide of off, Kyle Klein drives this to sweeper cover for a run.

Kyle Klein is the next batter out in the middle.

Shaheen Afridi to Roelof van der Merwe, OUT! IN THE AIR...GONE! Change of pace works for Shaheen Afridi. He serves this full again and on off. Roelof van der Merwe looks to take it on and slogs across the line but goes through his shot a bit too early. Gets a top edge as the ball flies in the air towards mid off, where Salman Agha backtracks, gets under the high ball and pouches it safely with a reverse cup. Netherlands are 139/8 now.

Shaheen Afridi to Roelof van der Merwe, Swing and a miss! Misses the yorker and bowls a full delivery, around off, Roelof van der Merwe has a big swing across the line only to connect with thin air.

Shaheen Afridi to Roelof van der Merwe, Shaheen Afridi nails the wide yorker, outside off, Roelof van der Merwe fails to dig it out.

Shaheen Afridi to Roelof van der Merwe, Run out chance...missed! Fuller delivery and around off, Roelof van der Merwe opens the face of his bat and drives it wide of backward point. He sets off for the run without looking at the ball. Saim Ayub dives to his left to make a fine stop. He gets up, takes aim but misses the shy at the batter's end. Roelof van der Merwe was nowhere near the crease.

Abrar Ahmed to Roelof van der Merwe, Gives this one some more air, full and on off, Roelof van der Merwe forces it down to long off for one more. Massive change of events as Netherlands are now found struggling to even touch 150. This is exceptional death bowling from the Men in Green.

Abrar Ahmed to Aryan Dutt, Uppish but safe! This is slower through the air, full and on off, turns away. Aryan Dutt looks to clip it across the line but fails to read the spin. It goes off the leading edge but drops safely in the vacant extra cover region. They cross.

Abrar Ahmed to Roelof van der Merwe, Flighted, full and on middle, Roelof van der Merwe goes down and slogs it towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

Abrar Ahmed to Aryan Dutt, Quicker and shorter, on middle, Aryan Dutt nudges it out towards mid-wicket for a run.

Abrar Ahmed to Roelof van der Merwe, Flatter, shortish and on off, Roelof van der Merwe gets hurried but manages to stab it out towards backward point for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Roelof van der Merwe, Flights it up, full and around off, Roelof van der Merwe cannot get under it and mistimes the drive towards short cover.

Saim Ayub to Aryan Dutt, FOUR! A cracking drive from the bat of Aryan Dutt to end the over with a boundary. Tossed up, around middle and off, Aryan Dutt strides to the pitch of the ball and drives this grounded through the covers region for four runs.

Saim Ayub to Roelof van der Merwe, Slows it up, full and on off, Roelof van der Merwe taps it out towards cover-point for one.

Roelof van der Merwe joins Aryan Dutt out in the middle.

Saim Ayub to Zach Lion-Cachet, OUT! CAUGHT! Saim Ayub with the double strike. He drops it short and around middle, it is there to be put away. Zach Lion-Cachet rocks back quickly to pull it away, but gets it from the bottom part of his bat. He only gets the height as it goes in the air towards deep mid-wicket, where Mohammad Nawaz settles under it and takes a good catch. Netherlands have slipped from 127/4 to 129/7.

Saim Ayub to Aryan Dutt, Flighted around off, Aryan Dutt rolls this through mid off for a single to get off the mark.

The wheels are coming off at the backend of the innings for Netherlands. Out walks Aryan Dutt.

Saim Ayub to Logan van Beek, OUT! CAUGHT! A soft dismissal and Saim Ayub joins the party now. He floats it up, full and just on off, sticks to the surface a bit. Logan van Beek looks to push it away but goes through the shot a bit early. It hits him high on the bat and lobs up towards short cover, where Salman Agha takes a dolly. Logan walks back for a golden duck, and Netherlands are just losing their way.

Saim Ayub to Zach Lion-Cachet, Flighted, full and on middle, Zach Lion-Cachet lofts it down to long on for a single.

Logan van Beek is out with the bat in his hands for the Netherlands.

Abrar Ahmed to Scott Edwards, OUT! TAKEN! Abrar Ahmed gets his second, and this is a big wicket for Pakistan at a crucial time. Flighted delivery, full and on off, Scott Edwards goes down and across for the slog sweep but his bottom hand comes off as he plays the shot. He fails to get the elevation and the ball flies straight towards deep square leg, where Sahibzada Farhan settles under it and reverse cups it nicely. Edwards departs for a well-made 37 off 29, and the Dutch lose half their side now.

Abrar Ahmed to Scott Edwards, Floated, full and around off, Scott Edwards drills it really hard but straight to extra cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Scott Edwards, Flatter, short and outside off, Scott Edwards slashes hard at it. Gets an outside edge wide of short third for a couple of runs.

Abrar Ahmed to Zach Lion-Cachet, Goes short and quick, on leg, Zach Lion-Cachet stays back and flicks it through square leg for a run.

Abrar Ahmed to Zach Lion-Cachet, A googly, full and on off, turns in sharply. Zach Lion-Cachet fends it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.

Abrar Ahmed to Scott Edwards, Tossed up, full and on middle, Scott Edwards eases it to long on for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, That was a risky sweep from Scott Edwards as Nawaz fired this in the line of the stumps. Scott Edwards shuffles across and sweeps this to fine leg for a single. 11 from the over and Netherlands will be aiming for at least another 50-60 runs in the last five overs.

Mohammad Nawaz to Zach Lion-Cachet, Darted into the batter, around the leg-stump. Zach Lion-Cachet rocks back and milks this through mid-wicket for one.

Mohammad Nawaz to Zach Lion-Cachet, FOUR! Edged and away for four more. Flatter and quicker, wide of off, Zach Lion-Cachet stands his ground and slashes hard at it. Gets it edge and luckily for the batter, the ball goes straight through the gap between short third and backward point for four runs.

Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, Full and on the pads, Scott Edwards steps across and sweeps this to deep backward square leg for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, Fired around off, Scott Edwards punches this to extra cover for no run.

Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, FOUR! A bit of width on offer and Scott makes him pay. Quicker one, wide outside off, Scott Edwards hangs deep inside the crease and slashes hard at it. Cuts this past the left of a diving fielder at cover-point and the ball races away to the fence for four.

DRINKS! Pakistan have pulled things back a bit in the last few overs, and they will look to build on this now. However, Netherlands will not back down as well, as they have taken the attacking approach right from the start. Despite losing wickets, the batters have tried to play their shots and will look to do more of the same, as anything over 160 on this wicket will be a good score. We are in for some exciting action in the next 6 overs.

Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Fired into the batter, around middle and off, Scott Edwards tucks this through mid-wicket and settles for a run this time.

Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Floated into the batter, around middle and leg, Scott Edwards milks this gently through mid-wicket for a brace.

Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Quicker one, around off, Scott drives this to the left of Mohammad Nawaz at cover-point and he does well to stop a strike rotation with a dive to his left.

Shadab Khan to Zach Lion-Cachet, Tossed up, around off, Zach Lion-Cachet moves away from the stumps and chips this to long off for one.

Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Floated around off, Scott Edwards guides this to short third for a run.

Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, DROPPED! Full and on off, Scott Edwards pumps this hard and straight back to the bowler. Shadab Khan stretches out his right hand but fails to hold on to it.

Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, Quicker one, around the pads, Scott Edwards gets inside the line and tucks this through the backward square leg region for one.

Mohammad Nawaz to Zach Lion-Cachet, Darted around the pads, Zach Lion-Cachet flicks this through mid on for a strike rotation.

Just as the partnership was brewing, Pakistan get the breakthrough. Zach Lion-Cachet walks out to bat now.

Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, OUT! CAUGHT​​​​! Nawaz has the last laugh in this over. Under-cutter, around off, Bas de Leede moves away from his stumps and has a go at it. Doesn't get the elevation he was looking for and ends up hitting this straight into the hands of Babar Azam at the long off fence. Bas de Leede departs for 30 off 25 balls.

Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, FOUR! Another boundary and it is already 11 off this Nawaz over with three balls still to go. Floated around off, Bas de Leede quickly hops deep inside the crease and punches this in the gap to the left of the fielder at sweeper cover for a boundary.

Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, Pushed through around off, Scott Edwards rocks deep inside the crease and cuts this to deep point for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, SIX! The ball is flying! Tossed up, full and on middle. Scott Edwards sits down on one knee and powerfully slog sweeps it well over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. 100 UP FOR NETHERLANDS!

Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Quicker and flatter on off, Scott Edwards hits this to the long on region for a run.

Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Pushed through around off, Scott Edwards aims to heave at it but misses out.

Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede, Tossed up, around off, Bas de Leede slogs this to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, In the air... safe! Flighted around off, Scott Edwards looks to sit down on a knee and swing at it, gets it edged towards the left of the keeper around square leg. Usman Khan calls for it once again but fails to get close to the ball this time around. Single taken.

Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Another mishap in the field and the Netherlands convert one into two. Quicker one, wide of off, Scott Edwards gets it away off the inside of his bat towards covers and takes a run. The throw comes in at the non-striker's end and a poor backup gifts an extra run to the Dutch side.

Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede, Seam up, straight on, on off. Bas de Leede thumps this past the bowler to his right for one.

Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, Full and wide of off, Bas de Leede goes deep inside the crease and smashes this to sweeper cover for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, Tossed up, full and around leg, Scott Edwards plays the sweep again and on the bounce to deep square leg for one.

Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, FOUR! Excellent shot! Floated delivery, full and on middle and leg. Scott Edwards goes down on one knee and sweeps it hard and flat. There is a fielder at deep square not too far away, but he has no chance of stopping that from going to the boundary.

Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, Drops it short and around off, Bas de Leede backs away and punches it through covers for another run.

Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, Flatter, full and on the pads, Scott Edwards goes down and swipes it to deep square leg for a run.

Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, Flighted, full and around off, Bas de Leede reaches out and drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Bas de Leede, Another short delivery, on middle, Bas de Leede stays back and works it through mid-wicket for on more.

Abrar Ahmed to Bas de Leede, Quicker delivery, fuller and outside off, but just inside the guideline. Bas de Leede leaves it alone.

Abrar Ahmed to Bas de Leede, FOUR! Up and over! Abrar Ahmed sticks to the shorter length, but just around off. Bas de Leede rocks back, extends his arms and slaps it aerailly but well over extra cover for a boundary.

Abrar Ahmed to Scott Edwards, Goes short and on middle, Scott Edwards punches it to long on for a run.

Abrar Ahmed to Scott Edwards, Tossed up, full and on middle, Scott Edwards knocks it down the pitch.

Abrar Ahmed to Bas de Leede, Flatter, shortish and on middle, Bas de Leede heaves it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede, Tossed up, around off, Bas de Leede drives this through covers for a run.

Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Full and on off, Scott plays the reverse sweep and hits this to Mirza at short third who fumbles again and allows a single more.

Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Pushed through on off, Scott Edwards punches this bck to the bowler.

Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, FOUR! A misfield from Salman Mirza at short third and what should have been a risky single turns into a boundary for the Netherlands. Full and around off, Scott Edwards pushes at it with hard hands, gets it edged to short third. Salman Mirza runs in aggressively and takes his eyes off before picking the ball and it rolls past him for a boundary towards the third man region.

Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Full and on off, Scott Edwards punches this back to the bowler.

Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede, Flighted on off, Bas de Leede drives this to sweeper cover for a single.

Outwalks the skipper of Netherlands, Scott Edwards to replace Colin Ackermann.

Abrar Ahmed to Colin Ackermann, OUT! BOWLED 'EM! Abrar Ahmed strikes in his first over. He pushes this through quicker, short and on middle and off. Colin Ackermann neither goes forward nor on the back foot and just tries to play a lazy flick shot. He ends up getting an inside edge back onto the stumps. He is very disappointed with himself, but has to walk back for 20 off 14. The Netherlands are three down now.

Abrar Ahmed to Colin Ackermann, FOUR! Nicely done! Abrar Ahmed follows the batter, bowls this quick and short, on leg. Colin Ackermann picks it up nicely and slogs it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Abrar Ahmed to Colin Ackermann, A big shout for LBW, but turned down! Flatter, shortish and on middle and off, Colin Ackermann stays back to play it but misses and gets hit on the pads. Probably going over the stumps.

Abrar Ahmed to Bas de Leede, Tossed up, full and on middle, Bas de Leede uses his feet and drills it to long on for another run.

Abrar Ahmed to Colin Ackermann, Slower through the air, full and on middle, turns away a bit. Colin Ackermann looks to work it across the line but gets squared up. It goes off the leading edge towards point for a run.

Abrar Ahmed to Bas de Leede, Floated, short and on middle, turns in, Bas de Leede stays back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Shadab Khan to Colin Ackermann, FOUR! Fine shot! Flighted, full and on middle. Colin Ackermann goes down on one knee and nails the slog sweep between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede, Dragged back and on off, Bas de Leede stabs it out to extra cover for one more.

Shadab Khan to Colin Ackermann, Short again and around off, Colin Ackermann punches it to long off fora run.

Shadab Khan to Colin Ackermann, Short and outside off, Colin Ackermann cuts it away to point.

Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede, Floated, full and on off, Bas de Leede drills it hard and wide of short cover, where Salman Mirza gets a good left hand on it to make the half-stop. They cross.

Shadab Khan to Colin Ackermann, Tossed up, full and on off, Colin Ackermann drives it towards long off for a single.

End of the Powerplay - As the players head for a drinks break at the conclusion of the Powerplay, the Netherlands find themselves in a position of quiet confidence despite sitting two wickets down. Their primary objective, asserting early dominance, has largely been achieved through Michael Levitt’s fearless aggression, which saw the Dutch take full advantage of the hard deck to punish the Pakistani pace battery. However, the game’s narrative is poised for a significant shift as the fielding restrictions ease. The real trial for this batting unit begins now as Pakistan prepares to unleash its spin trio, with Abrar Ahmed’s mystery, Saim Ayub’s handy off-spin, and Shadab Khan's leg-breaks yet to be introduced. The Netherlands must successfully transition from high-risk hitting to calculated accumulation to ensure they capitalize on their flying start.

Salman Mirza to Bas de Leede, FOUR! Excellent end to the Powerplay! Short of a length and outside off. Bas de Leede gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point for a boundary. Netherlands are 50/2 after 6 overs!

Salman Mirza to Colin Ackermann, Fuller delivery, on off, Colin Ackermann goes down across to swipe it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads to the leg side. The batters cross for a leg bye.

Salman Mirza to Colin Ackermann, Swing and a miss! Back of a length and around off, angling away from the batter. Colin Ackermann looks to heave it across the line but fails to connect.

Salman Mirza to Colin Ackermann, WIDE! Bangs in a bouncer but down the leg side, Colin Ackermann lets it go to the keeper. Called a wide.

Salman Mirza to Colin Ackermann, FOUR! Wow..that is a top shot! Salman Mirza goes a bit too full and on off. Colin Ackermann gets onto it quickly, shows the face of the bat and drills it away to the long off fence for another boundary.

Salman Mirza to Colin Ackermann, Touch fuller and around off, Colin Ackermann pushes it towards extra cover.

Salman Mirza to Colin Ackermann, FOUR! Lovely shot! Short of a length and on middle and leg, not short enough to trouble the batter. Colin Ackermann backs away and swats it to the left of mid on for a boundary.

Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, Pushed through from Nawaz, on off. Bas de Leede punches this to extra cover.

Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, FOUR! Now that's a top-quality stroke from Bas de Leede. Tossed up, around middle and off, Bas de Leede jumps to the pitch of the ball and smashes this straight past the bowler for a boundary in front of the sight screen.

Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, Pushed through on off, Bas de Leede fails to beat cover-point.

Mohammad Nawaz to Colin Ackermann, Full and on the pads, Colin Ackermann flicks this through square leg for a single.

Both the Dutch openers are gone now. That brings Colin Ackermann out to the middle now.

Mohammad Nawaz to Michael Levitt, OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent rally take between Babar and Shaheen Afridi gets rid of a dangerous-looking Michael Levitt. Top-spinner, around off, Michael Levitt gives himself a bit of room by backing away to his leg. Swings at it but fails to get right underneath it. The ball was still going to the fence down the ground. Babar Azam moves to his left from long off and gathers this with the momentum, taking him over the fence. Babar was smart enough to release the ball just in time and pick Shaheen Afridi, who was covering him from long on. Shaheen Afridi ends up pouching this at the end. This is checked for a fair catch and just after one look, the third umpire decides that it is a clean catch and Michael Levitt departs.

Is that a clean catch? If it is, then Babar Azam has done an amazing job here at the ropes. The replay shows that he has flicked the ball to Shaheen Afridi just in time before going over the ropes, and it is OUT.

Mohammad Nawaz to Michael Levitt, Tossed up, in the line of the stumps. Michael Levitt was thinking about a wild swing at it but ends up pushing this to covers.

Salman Mirza to Bas de Leede, Salman Mirza comes around the stumps for the final ball of the over and darts in a wide yorker. Bas looks to block this one but misses out.

It won't be long before Pakistan intorduce spin here to change the pace of the game.

Salman Mirza to Bas de Leede, WIDE! Slower one, short and on off. Bas de Leede bails out of the stroke as he feels that this is a bit too high and the umpire acknowledges it with a signal of wide.

Salman Mirza to Michael Levitt, Full and around off this time from Mirza. Michael Levitt pushes this towards mid off and takes a run.

Salman Mirza to Bas de Leede, Good length on the pads, Bas de Leede tucks this in front of Shaheen Afridi at mid on and takes one. Shaheen Afridi does hit the stumps with a direct hit towards the non-striker's end but the batter was safely in.

Salman Mirza to Bas de Leede, Low full toss, around middle and off, Bas de Leede rolls this back to the bowler.

Salman Mirza to Bas de Leede, Hard length, on top of middle and off. Bas de Leede blocks this out.

First one down for Netherlands. Bas de Leede walks out to bat at number 3.

Salman Mirza to Max O'Dowd, OUT! CAUGHT! Slower cutter, short of a length, going across the batter, around his off-stump. Max O'Dowd looks to pull this over the deep mid-wicket region but gets it miscued off the cue end of his bat as the ball gets big on him. The ball hangs around square leg and Usman Khan, from behind the stumps, calls for it loud and clear. Khan makes good ground, judges this well and holds onto it. Max O'Dowd departs for 5 off 7.

Shaheen Afridi to Max O'Dowd, A touch fuller, on middle and leg, Max O'Dowd gently rolls this in front of Babar Azam at mid on and takes a quick one. Babar was pushed to the end of the circle because of the way Levitt has smashed the white leather.

Shaheen Afridi to Max O'Dowd, Hard length, on middle and off, Max O'Dowd plays this late and guides this to short third.

Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, Back of a length around middle and leg, Michael Levitt dabs this off his back foot and steals a run.

The umpires are having a look at the ball. The ball landed on the road outside the ground, and it has damaged it a bit. Now, the briefcase comes out, and the replacement has been chosen.

Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, SIX! Shaheen has been pumped out of the park. Short and on middle and off, Michael Levitt picks the length early, rocks deep inside the crease and gives it a full monty. Pulls this right out of the middle of his bat and smashes this out of the park towards the deep square leg region.

Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, Pitched up, around the pads, Michael Levitt flicks this to the left of the fielder at deep square leg for a brace this time.

Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, FOUR! Well, Levitt has decided not to let the Pakistani pacers settle. Third over of the game and every over has started with a boundary. Good length on middle and off, Michael Levitt gives himself a bit of room by shuffling to his leg and pulls this over the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Salman Mirza to Max O'Dowd, Cutter, going across the batter, Max O'Dowd gives it a good look and decides not to poke at it as the ball keeps low as well.

Salman Mirza to Max O'Dowd, Inswinging fuller one, around off, Max O'Dowd bumps this onto his shoe and in the empty pocket to silly mid off for a dot.

Salman Mirza to Michael Levitt, Mirza goes full with a slower one, around off. Michael Levitt swings at it. Gets it edged towards the deep third region, where Faheem Ashraf fields this and keeps it down to one.

Salman Mirza to Michael Levitt, Good length, going across the batter, Michael Levitt stands and swings at it. The ball shapes away from Levitt and he is beaten.

Salman Mirza to Michael Levitt, Salman Mirza drags his length back, bowls it short and on middle and off. Michael Levitt gets up on his toes and punts this to point.

Salman Mirza to Michael Levitt, FOUR! WOW! Just sit and admire this cracker from Michael Levitt. Good length, around off, shaping away from the batter. Michael Levitt rides the bounce and smashes this past the right of the fielder at extra cover for a boundary to greet Mirza into the attack.

Interesting Stat - Ramiz Raza, on air, mentions that the entire Netherlands squad for this World Cup bats right-handed, no lefties whatsoever. Also, Salman Mirza will share the attack.

Shaheen Afridi to Max O'Dowd, Beauty from Afridi. Around that nagging length, on middle and off, shaping away from the right-hander. Max O'Dowd rocks back and looks to block this off his back foot but gets beaten on the outside.

Shaheen Afridi to Max O'Dowd, FOUR! Just like Levitt, even Max O'Dowd is up and running with a boundary. Good length around middle and leg, Max O'Dowd stands still and flicks this through the fine leg region for a boundary to get off the mark.

Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, Hard length on off, Michael punches this to backward points left for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, Now that's more like Shaheen Afridi. Back of a length, around middle and off, going across the batter. Michael Levitt stays leg side to it and pokes at it away from his body but gets beaten.

Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, Much better from Shaheen Afridi as he attacks the stumps with a length delivery on off, Michael Levitt punches this to covers.

Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, FOUR! What a way to kickstart the T20 World Cup. Full and swinging down the leg, Michael Levitt steps out of the crease and flicks this through the left of the fielder at short fine leg for a boundary to get the game and tournament underway.

It's now time for the curtain-raiser! The weather is a bit overcast, which could play a big role in this game. We can see the Pakistan players in a huddle before they spread out to take the field. Michael Levitt and Max O'Dowd are the two openers for Netherlands. As expected, it is Shaheen Afridi who has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. One slip in place Let's play...

We are moments away from the start of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, and the flags of both nations are unfurled as the stage is set. The players from both sides now walk out to the middle for their respective national anthems. It will be the Netherlands first, followed by that of Pakistan.

PITCH REPORT - SSC pitch presents a fascinating dynamic for this opener, characterized by an uncharacteristic green tinge that has captured the attention of both camps. While the straight boundary from the South End stands at a daunting 82 metres, the shorter square and fine-leg boundaries offer plenty of scoring opportunities for those brave enough to take them on. The surface itself is remarkably hard and carries more grass than typically seen in Colombo, promising the kind of consistent pace and bounce that makes this one of the premier batting strips in Sri Lanka. Any early morning moisture has long since evaporated, yet the live grass suggests the seamers will find enough nibble with the new ball to keep the top order honest during the Powerplay.

The captain of Netherlands - Scott Edwards says that it is a good-looking wicket but they would have bowled first as well. Adds that he won't call it a must-win game, but it is a big one for them as you need to win at least 3 out of 4 games to qualify. Mentions that they have been in India and Sri Lanka for over a month and are used to the conditions now. Ends by saying that they have plenty of all-rounders and good options in both bowling and batting.

The skipper of Pakistan - Salman Agha noted his surprise at the conditions, admitting he had rarely seen such a significant covering of grass on a Sri Lankan pitch, which, combined with the intermittent rain forecast, made the prospect of early movement too tempting to ignore. While he offered a respectful nod to the Netherlands' dangerous lineup, the skipper made it clear that his focus remains inward, prioritising his squad's execution of their new aggressive approach as they look to kick off their World Cup campaign with authority.

Netherlands (Playing XI) - Max O'Dowd, Michael Levitt, Bas de Leede, Scott Edwards (C/WK), Colin Ackermann, Zach Lion-Cachet, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.

TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Salman Agha and Pakistan elect to BOWL first.

Weather and Anticipation - The atmosphere in Colombo is electric, though all eyes are nervously fixed on the skies, with the forecast showing a significant rain threat throughout the day. While meteorologists predict a chance of showers that could disrupt play, particularly during the second innings, the world-class drainage at the SSC offers hope. Fingers are crossed for a full contest, as any point split would be a major setback for Pakistan following their reported decision to boycott their upcoming group fixture against India. The stage is set for a thrilling start. Let the T20 World Cup action begin. 

The Dutch resilience - Led by Scott Edwards, the Netherlands remains a premier underdog capable of disrupting any tournament bracket through a highly experienced core of match-winners. The squad’s greatest strength lies in its versatile all-rounders, including Bas de Leede, Logan van Beek, and the veteran Roelof van der Merwe, who provide the luxury of a deep batting order and striking capability essential for subcontinental conditions. However, the team faces a notable weakness in their spin department, as beyond van der Merwe, the attack lacks experienced specialists, a gap highlighted by their recent warm-up defeat against Zimbabwe's spinners. Additionally, while they are a well-rounded unit, the squad is often cited for lacking a single 'X-factor' player who can independently snatch a game away from elite opponents. Despite these hurdles and a lack of recent international fixtures, the Dutch 'big-team mentality' makes them a persistent threat to any opponent showing early-tournament jitters. 

Pakistan's new blueprint - Under the leadership of Salman Agha, Pakistan has unveiled a blueprint that prioritises relentless aggression, a strategy that recently powered them to a stunning 3-0 whitewash of Australia. A key component of this success is top-order aggression. By promoting himself to number three, Salman has spearheaded a 'see the ball, hit the ball' philosophy that has revitalised the top order. To balance this high-risk approach, the 15-member squad has strategically shifted Babar Azam to the middle order to provide much-needed stability, while the world-class pace duo of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah remains the team's primary strike force. Despite the notable absence of stalwarts like Haris Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan, the inclusion of explosive talents like Khawaja Nafay, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, and Sahibzada Farhan ensures that Pakistan enters the tournament with the form and firepower necessary to Colombo.

Colombo countdown - Hello and welcome to everyone tuning in. Get ready to turn up the volume and feel the rhythm of the drums. The cricket world converges on Colombo as the T20 World Cup explodes into life. The Sinhalese Sports Club is set to be a cauldron of noise and colour for the tournament opener between a revitalised Pakistan and the giant-killing Netherlands. With 20 teams descending upon India and Sri Lanka for this 55-match carnival, the hunt for global supremacy begins right here. The wait is officially over and it’s time for pure cricketing theatre.

... MATCHDAY ...

And so it begins - The wait is over. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is ready to roll, with India and Sri Lanka hosting a month-long sprint for global bragging rights. Twenty teams, split across five groups, all chasing the same dream, and the margins are going to be razor-thin from the very first ball. The tournament kicks off in Group A, where Pakistan get their campaign underway against a fearless Netherlands side at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. It is a classic opening night setup. A heavyweight with expectations stacked high up against a team that has made a habit of punching above its weight. Momentum gained, expectations unchecked - Winning the title in 2009 is Pakistan's sole success in T20 World Cup history. And since then, it’s been a real struggle to even get close to glory. They did exceed expectations in 2021, but couldn’t finish things off and had to settle for a runners-up tag. The slide in 2024 was harder to digest. A group-stage exit left plenty of unanswered questions and dented confidence. Since that period, Pakistan have played ten bilateral series, winning five, losing four and drawing one. Decent on paper, perhaps, but hardly the kind of run that screams favorites heading into a World Cup. However, whitewashing the Australians at home by 3-0 will surely give them a lot of confidence getting into the main event. Netherlands, always in the mix - When it comes to showing up on the big stage, the Netherlands have made it a habit of doing so. Since breaking into the T20 World Cup in 2012, they have been a constant presence, quietly earning their place every time the tournament rolls around. Yet again, finishing at the top of the European qualifiers for the World Cup, they have made it through, along with Italy, the first-timers. The ‘Oranje’ are charged and reinforced - Under Scott Edwards’ leadership, the Netherlands have taken a bold call with selection. Several overseas names have been left out, with form and fitness steering a squad that clearly backs homegrown talent. Max O'Dowd remains the batting pillar, the only Dutch player to cross 2000 T20I runs, while Michael Levitt has been their leading run-getter in 2025 and arrives in form. Logan van Beek, Colin Ackermann and Bas de Leede complete a trusted all-round core that adds balance to the side. With the ball, experience holds the attack together. Paul van Meekeren and Roelof van der Merwe, the leading wicket-takers in Dutch T20I history, are both part of the squad. Spin, however, looks a bit thin on paper. Beyond van der Merwe and the specialist off-spinner Aryan Dutt, options are limited for subcontinent conditions, with some reliance on part-timers. The upside is their pace unit. It is deep and flexible, led by Fred Klaassen and van Meekeren, with Kyle Klein adding further bite. The combination puzzle for the men in Green - One of the major talking points is the inclusion of former captain Babar Azam. In and out of the T20I setup lately and coming off an underwhelming Big Bash stint, his place has raised a few eyebrows. Still, the selectors have backed his experience. Where Babar slots into the batting order will be one to watch. Pakistan have recently tried to move away from the traditional anchor role, leaning instead towards higher strike-rate batting. And that early propulsion has been provided by Sahibzada Farhan, as he was Pakistan’s leading run getter in 2025 in the shortest format, followed by skipper Salman Agha and Saim Ayub, who were their spearheads in the series against Australia. The top three look settled and in form, but the concern lies beyond. The middle order lacks proven finishers, and inconsistency remains a lingering issue, especially when the demands rise while setting or chasing big totals. Pace has always been their friend, and a lot will depend on the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, while the omission of Rauf was a shocker.  Spin is another key area of focus for Pakistan. With Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq in the mix, they have plenty of options to tailor their attack to the surface. It is a spin-heavy setup by design, and one that fits Sri Lankan conditions, where slow bowlers are expected to control the middle overs. Team form (Last 5 T20Is, latest results first) - Pakistan - WWWLW | Netherlands - LLLWW. What do the records say? Pakistan and Netherlands have crossed paths just twice in the T20I format, and both times, Pakistan have got ahead of their opponents in the World Cups, in 2009 and 2022. And interestingly, the Dutch were prevented from getting to the triple figures, while chasing or batting first, irrespective. Let’s see if they can pose a stern challenge to the Pakistanis this time around.