The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 began with familiar Pakistan drama. What should have been a routine chase against the Netherlands turned into a nervy finish, rescued only by Faheem Ashraf’s explosive cameo in the final overs.
Chasing 148, Pakistan needed 29 runs from the last two overs, the most they have ever scored in that phase in a successful T20I chase. The situation had slipped far beyond comfort. It required either a collapse or courage. Faheem delivered the latter.
Dropped on 7 by Max O’Dowd, Faheem punished the error immediately. He smashed two sixes and a boundary in a decisive over that swung the momentum. Had the catch been taken, Pakistan would have been eight down with 23 required off 10 balls. Instead, they crossed the line with three wickets in hand and three balls to spare.
A Chase That Unravelled Midway
Pakistan’s pursuit began briskly. Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub raced to 27 in the first two overs. Even after Aryan Dutt removed Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha during the PowerPlay, Farhan maintained control.
At 61 for 2 after six overs, the chase looked straightforward. Farhan and Babar Azam stitched a steady 45-run partnership that carried Pakistan comfortably to the halfway stage.
The turning point arrived in the 11th over. Paul van Meekeren delivered a double-wicket maiden, removing Farhan and Usman Khan. Soon after, Babar fell attempting to accelerate. The required rate spiked. Pressure crept in.
Kyle Klein dismissed Mohammad Nawaz with a slower ball, and Shadab Khan followed on the next delivery. From control to chaos in minutes.
Only O’Dowd’s missed catch reopened the door.
Faheem Ashraf walked through it.
His unbeaten 29 off 11 balls ended the contest that the Netherlands had nearly stolen.
Netherlands Leave Runs Behind
Earlier in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 opener, the Netherlands posted 147 in 19.5 overs after being asked to bat.
Michael Levitt struck a boundary off the first ball, and despite losing both openers in the PowerPlay, the Netherlands reached 50 quickly. Once the field spread, Pakistan’s spinners tightened the grip.
Abrar Ahmed struck early, forcing Colin Ackermann to chop on. Captain Scott Edwards anchored the innings with a composed 37 off 29 balls, but when he fell in the 16th over attempting to accelerate against Abrar, the innings faltered.
Saim Ayub claimed two wickets in one over as the Netherlands slipped from 127 for 4 to 147 all out. Salman Mirza finished with 3 for 24, while Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with two wickets.
The total was competitive but not commanding. The Netherlands needed one batter to carry through. That absence proved decisive.
Chaos Returns Early in ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan’s fielding remained sharp throughout. Smart catches from Salman Ali Agha and Sahibzada Farhan, along with a relay effort involving Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, helped restrict the Dutch total.
Yet the batting nearly undid that discipline.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has just begun, but Pakistan have already reminded everyone why they are never predictable. A controlled chase became a scramble. A near defeat turned into a narrow win.
In tournament cricket, survival matters more than style.
Pakistan survived.
Faheem Ashraf proved to be the hero for Pakistan as he saved them from the blushes. © Getty
Source: Cricbuzz
