The T20 World Cup 2026 opener witnessed a competitive start as the Netherlands set a modest target of 148 runs for Pakistan at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo on Saturday.

Chasing 148, Pakistan will need a disciplined batting performance against a Netherlands bowling attack that kept the game tight throughout. Despite some solid individual performances, the Netherlands struggled to form partnerships and were bowled out for 147 in the 20th over.

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Michael Levitt top-scored for the Netherlands with a quick 24 runs off 15 balls, including three boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz. Bas de Leede contributed 30 runs off 25 balls, but the effort couldn’t stabilize the innings. Max O'Dowd managed only 5 runs before falling to Salman Mirza, while captain Scott Edwards scored 37 off 29 balls before being sent back by Abrar Ahmed. Colin Ackermann added 20 runs but also fell to Abrar, and the lower order collapsed under pressure.

Pakistan’s bowling was led by Salman Mirza, who took three wickets, while Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz claimed two wickets each. Shaheen Shah Afridi grabbed one wicket, showcasing Pakistan’s dominant bowling display.

The Pakistan squad for the match includes Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), and Usman Tariq. Fans now eagerly await Pakistan’s reply as the Men in Green aim to chase down the target with precision and maintain momentum in Group “A” of the tournament.