Faheem Ashraf powers Pakistan to thrilling win over Netherlands

Pakistan defeated Netherlands by three wickets in their T20 World Cup opener at Colombo. Faheem Ashraf’s unbeaten 29 off 11 balls rescued Pakistan after a collapse, while Salman Mirza’s 3/24 restricted Netherlands to 147 in 19.5 overs

Colombo: All-rounder Faheem Ashraf emerged as the hero for Pakistan, hammering 29 off 11 balls in a stunning late assault to snatch a dramatic three-wicket win over the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup opener here on Saturday.

Chasing 148, Pakistan were 90/2 at the halfway stage but collapsed to 114/7 in 16.1 overs, still needing 34 runs. Walking in at number 8, Ashraf, dropped on 7, turned the game around.

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Needing 29 runs from the last two overs, Ashraf hit three sixes and a four off Logan van Beek, and sealed the win with a boundary in the final over as Pakistan reached 148/7 in 19.3 overs. Max O’Dowd’s dropped catch proved costly for the Dutch.

Pakistan’s build-up was overshadowed by off-field matters after their Board decided to boycott the February 15 match against India, though they had beaten Australia 3-0 at home. At the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, hosting its first T20I since 2010, Pakistan huffed and puffed to victory with three balls to spare.

Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 47 off 31 balls, Saim Ayub made 24 off 13, while Babar Azam struggled with 15 off 18. Salman Agha added 12 off eight. Paul van Meekeren’s two wickets in the 12th over and Azam’s dismissal in the 13th put Pakistan under pressure.

Earlier, Netherlands were bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs after a strong start. Captain Scott Edwards (37) and Bas de Leede (30) added 40 runs, but Pakistan’s bowlers struck back. Salman Mirza returned best figures of 3/24.