Pakistan Overpower Netherlands by 45 Runs in Convincing T20 World Cup Victory

Pakistan kicked off their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a solid 45-run win over Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, blending disciplined bowling with explosive middle-order hitting to secure a comfortable victory in Group A. Babar Azam’s composed 66 off 44 anchored the innings, while Mohammad Rizwan’s quick 52 and Iftikhar Ahmed’s late cameo (38* off 18) propelled Pakistan to 197/5. The bowlers then dominated, with Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 3/24 and Naseem Shah’s 2/19 restricting the Dutch to 152/9 despite a fighting 61 from Max O’Dowd. This result gave Pakistan an early two points and a healthy net run rate boost in a competitive group also featuring India and USA. A lively crowd of around 18,000 filled the historic venue under floodlights, creating a buzzing atmosphere as Pakistan’s fans celebrated a professional all-round performance on a balanced Sri Lankan pitch.

The Sinhalese Sports Club, under humid February night conditions with moderate dew settling in the second half, produced a competitive high-scorer with 349 runs total but firmly controlled by Pakistan’s bowling variations. The pitch — offering early seam movement and grip for spinners later, with some turn — favored bowling first but allowed strokeplay once set. Babar Azam’s decision to bat first after winning the toss was vindicated, building a defendable total before dew made bowling tougher. For Netherlands captain Scott Edwards, the defeat was respectable but expected, a learning experience against a top side despite O’Dowd’s resistance; for Babar, it was satisfying, a complete team effort to start strong. As Haris Rauf sealed the final wicket amid cheers, the group narrative positioned Pakistan as serious contenders alongside India.

Pakistan XI Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf

Netherlands XI Michael Levitt, Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Logan van Beek, Tim Pringle, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren, Vivian Kingma

Netherlands – 152/9 (20 overs) Netherlands’ chase faltered early against Pakistan’s pace battery. Levitt (12) fell to Shaheen in the first over, edging a swinging delivery. O’Dowd anchored with a gritty 61 off 47 (6 fours, 2 sixes), sharing a 78-run stand with de Leede (28), but Naseem (2/19) broke it with a sharp bouncer. Shadab (2/28) and Imad (1/22) squeezed the middle overs, while Haris Rauf’s express pace claimed two in the death. Bas de Leede’s late 28 added respectability, but no big partnership survived post-O’Dowd’s dismissal. Extras 14, momentum never shifted as Pakistan’s variations—yorkers, cutters, and spin—kept the required rate climbing, restricting the Dutch well below the target.

Pakistan – 197/5 (20 overs) Pakistan’s innings built steadily before exploding in the death. Saim Ayub fell early to van Beek (1/38), but Rizwan (52 off 38) and Babar combined for a fluent 102-run stand, with Babar elegant through covers and Rizwan aggressive against spin. Fakhar (quick 22) provided impetus before Iftikhar’s blistering 38* off 18 (3 fours, 3 sixes) and Azam Khan’s 19* off 9 took Pakistan past 190. Kingma (2/41) and Dutt (1/32) picked wickets but leaked in the final overs as dew aided the batters. No major collapse; key partnerships—Babar-Rizwan and late cameos—ensured a competitive total on a pitch that slowed slightly, setting up the bowling dominance.

Key Moments

• Babar Azam’s classy 66 off 44, anchoring the innings with trademark timing and placement.
• Mohammad Rizwan’s fluent 52, forming a match-defining 102-run partnership with Babar.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 3/24, including early breakthroughs and death-over control.
• Max O’Dowd’s fighting 61, the only substantial resistance from Netherlands.
• Iftikhar Ahmed’s explosive 38* off 18, powering Pakistan’s late surge to post 197.

Player of the Match: Babar Azam (66 off 44) Winning Captain (Babar Azam): “Great start to the World Cup—happy with how the boys executed. Rizwan and I built the platform, and the bowlers were brilliant, especially Shaheen with the new ball. 197 was defendable here, and we stuck to plans. Looking forward to the big games ahead.” Losing Captain (Scott Edwards): “Pakistan were too good today—credit to their bowling, they didn’t let us get momentum. O’Dowd batted brilliantly, but we needed more partnerships. It’s a tough group, but we’ll learn and come back fighting in the next one.”

Group A Standings (after Match 2): India 2 pts (NRR +5.60), Pakistan 2 pts (NRR +2.25), others TBD Next → West Indies vs Scotland, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group C: Eden Gardens, Kolkata — February 7, 2026 (later match)

Pakistan’s professional victory sets a strong foundation in Group A, showcasing balance across batting, bowling, and leadership. With key players stepping up and the bowling unit clicking in subcontinental conditions, the Men in Green head into their next clash full of confidence, aiming to maintain momentum in pursuit of a deep tournament run.