Faheem Ashraf's Stunning Cameo Rescues Pakistan in T20 World Cup Thriller
In a heart-stopping encounter at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Faheem Ashraf produced a breathtaking late cameo to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for Pakistan. His unbeaten 29 off just 11 balls powered Pakistan to a dramatic three-wicket win over the Netherlands in their T20 World Cup opener on Saturday, chasing down 148 with three balls to spare.
Pakistan's Dramatic Collapse and Ashraf's Redemption
Chasing a modest target of 148, Pakistan seemed in control at 90 for 2 after 10 overs. However, a dramatic collapse saw them plummet to 114 for 7 in 16.1 overs, still needing 34 runs. With momentum firmly with the Netherlands, the match appeared all but over until Ashraf turned the tide.
Dropped on seven in the 19th over by Max O’Dowd, Ashraf made the Dutch pay heavily. Needing 29 from the final two overs, he launched Logan van Beek for three towering sixes and a boundary, sealing the chase with a four in the penultimate over. This late blitz spared Pakistan's blushes in a game that swung wildly until the final moments.
Pakistan's Batting Struggles and Key Contributions
Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with a fluent 47 off 31 balls, while opener Saim Ayub added a brisk 24 off 13. However, senior batter Babar Azam struggled for fluency, managing only 15 off 18 balls, and captain Salman Agha contributed 12 off eight.
From a comfortable 98 for 2 after 11 overs, Pakistan unravelled rapidly. Paul van Meekeren struck twice in the 12th over, dismissing Farhan and Usman Khan, before Babar fell in the following over. In a stunning passage, Pakistan lost three wickets for just two runs in 10 balls to slump to 100 for 5. Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan followed soon after, tightening the noose further.
Netherlands' Promising Start and Pakistan's Bowling Fightback
Earlier, after being sent in to bat, the Netherlands showed promise, reaching 50 for 2 at the end of the Powerplay and 79 for 3 at the halfway mark. A 40-run stand between captain Scott Edwards, who scored 37 off 29 balls, and Bas de Leede, with 30 off 25, put them on course for a bigger total.
However, Pakistan's bowlers pulled things back expertly. Salman Mirza led the attack with impressive figures of 3 for 24, while Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed struck crucial blows in the middle overs. From 105 for 3, the Dutch slipped to 129 for 7 as wickets fell in clusters. Saim Ayub's off-spin then finished the job, removing Logan van Beek and Zach Lion-Cachet in quick succession as the Netherlands were bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs.
Context and Tournament Build-up
Pakistan's build-up to the tournament had been dominated by off-field issues, including their board's decision to boycott the marquee February 15 clash against India, despite a recent 3-0 home T20I series win over a depleted Australia. At the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground—hosting its first T20I since 2010—the 2009 champions laboured but ultimately found a way through, thanks to Ashraf's heroics.
This victory sets a positive tone for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, highlighting their resilience under pressure. The match served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where a single over can change the course of the game entirely.
