WEB DESK: Pakistan kicked off their ICC T20 World Cup journey with a nail-biting three-wicket win against the Netherlands, powered by a sensational late assault from all-rounder Faheem Ashraf in the opening fixture of the tournament.
While chasing the Dutch target in Colombo, Pakistan’s innings got off to a brisk start through openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub. Ayub departed early after a quick 24 off 13 deliveries, striking four boundaries and a six, as Pakistan lost their first wicket with 27 runs on the board.
Skipper Salman Ali Agha was dismissed for 12 with the score at 53, falling to Aryan Dutt. Farhan played a solid knock of 46 before being removed by Paul van Meekeren, who struck again in the same over to bowl Usman Khan for a duck. Pakistan’s troubles deepened when Babar Azam was caught in the next over.
Middle-order batters Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan failed to steady the innings, scoring 6 and 8 runs respectively. With seven wickets down and the pressure mounting, Faheem Ashraf shifted momentum dramatically, hammering 29 runs off just nine balls, including three towering sixes and two boundaries, to steer Pakistan home and register their first win of the tournament.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bowl, putting the Netherlands in to bat first.
