Pakistan Defeats Netherlands in T20 World Cup 2026 Opener in Colombo

Colombo. Pakistan started the T20 World Cup 2026, which began today at the Sinhalese Sports Ground in Colombo, with a victory, defeating the Netherlands in the first match.

In a thrilling contest, Pakistan successfully chased down the target of 148 runs set by the Netherlands.

After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bowl first. The entire Netherlands team was bowled out for 147 runs in 19.5 overs, setting a target of 148 runs for Pakistan. Netherlands captain Scott Edwards scored the highest runs with 37.

Salman Mirza delivered an excellent bowling performance for Pakistan, taking a maximum of 3 wickets. Nine out of the 10 Netherlands batsmen were caught out, while Abrar Ahmed bowled Colin Ackermann for the only bowled dismissal.

In reply, Pakistan achieved the target in 19 overs and 3 balls, losing 7 wickets. Fahim Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi remained at the crease to secure Pakistan's victory. Although the Netherlands bowlers took important Pakistani wickets, they could not avert the defeat.

Logan van Beek had Shadab Khan (8 runs) caught by wicketkeeper Scott Edwards. Colin Ackermann dismissed Hasan Nawaz (6 runs), and Roelof van der Merwe took the wicket of Babar Azam (15 runs).

Paul van Meekeren denied Usman Khan a half-century, dismissing him for 3 runs short. Aryan Dutt took the wickets of Salman Agha and Saim Ayub.