COLOMBO: Pakistan opened their T20 World Cup campaign with a convincing win over the Netherlands, powered by a match-winning performance from Faheem Ashraf at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Friday.
After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha invited the Netherlands to bat first. The Dutch side were bowled out for 147 in the final over after a disciplined bowling display by Pakistan.
Michael Levitt and Max O’Dowd provided a 28-run start for the Netherlands before O’Dowd was dismissed for 5 by Salman Mirza. Levitt scored 24 before falling to Mohammad Nawaz, while Ackermann made 20 and Bas de Leede added 30 before becoming Nawaz’s second victim.
Mohammad Abrar claimed the fifth wicket, while Saim Ayub removed two batters in quick succession. Van der Merwe was the eighth man out, caught off Shaheen Afridi. Salman Mirza wrapped up the innings with two wickets in the final over.
Mirza finished with three wickets, while Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz picked up two wickets each. Shaheen Afridi took one scalp.
Chasing the target, Pakistan openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub gave a brisk start. Ayub scored 24 off just 13 balls, hitting four fours and a six before being dismissed with the score at 27.
Pakistan comfortably chased down the target, with Faheem Ashraf anchoring the innings with a composed knock to seal victory and ensure a winning start to the tournament.
Speaking after the match, captain Salman Ali Agha confirmed he will continue to bat at number three and said no immediate changes to the batting order were planned. He added that the team would stick to its strategy regardless of external pressure ahead of key matches.