KEY POINTS
- Faheem Ashraf snatched victory from defeat with a stunning 24-run over, scoring 29* off 11 balls when Pakistan needed 29 from 12.
- The crucial win gains added importance as Pakistan is set to boycott its group match against rival India.
COLOMBO: In a heartfelt post-match gesture, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi dedicated the national team’s thrilling T20 World Cup opening victory over the Netherlands to Faheem Ashraf’s infant twin sons Hassan and Hussain.
This earnest tribute followed Ashraf’s stunning late-game blitz, a match-winning cameo that snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in Colombo on Saturday.
Well played, Netherlands! Today’s game is dedicated to these adorable twin babies! Wishing them a healthy and happy life. pic.twitter.com/gOOlYduPRU
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) February 7, 2026
The Dutch build, Pakistan strikes back
The Netherlands batted first and set a strong pace. Michael Levitt started quickly, and captain Scott Edwards (37) and Bas de Leede (30) built a solid stand, taking the score past 100.
But Pakistan’s bowlers turned things around. Led by Salman Mirza, who took three wickets, they triggered a collapse. The Dutch lost their last seven batters quickly, ending at 147.
Pakistan’s Rollercoaster Chase
Pakistan began the chase brightly. Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan fired early, and even after a couple of wickets, the target looked easy.
Then, everything changed. Wickets began to tumble, the runs dried up, and panic set in. From a comfortable position, Pakistan stumbled to 122-7, needing 29 runs from just 12 balls. Hope was fading fast.
A vital cameo from Faheem Ashraf carries Pakistan to victory in the #T20WorldCup opener 💪
📝: https://t.co/MB0N9eUpvK pic.twitter.com/bDjr74RC0a
— ICC (@ICC) February 7, 2026
Faheem’s fury: One over that changed everything
With only tailenders left, Faheem Ashraf walked in. First ball of the 19th over—SIX! Next ball, a dropped catch. That was all he needed.
What happened next was pure fireworks. He blasted two more sixes and a four, stealing 24 runs from a single over. In just eight breathtaking deliveries, he turned certain defeat into unforgettable victory.
A win for a father, a win for a nation
After the match, Chairman Naqvi posted a photo of his twin sons with a touching message, dedicating the tense victory to them.
The win means more than just a good start. With Pakistan set to miss their high-profile game against India, every other match becomes a must-win. Pakistan now turn its focus to a February 10 fixture against the United States, to be played at the same venue.
