Faheem Ashraf Holds Nerve as Pakistan Survive Netherlands Scare
Faheem Ashraf dragged an unconvincing Pakistan over the line with a nerveless late assault as they edged past the Netherlands by three wickets in a dramatic T20 World Cup opener that swung wildly before being decided with three balls to spare.
What appeared a routine chase turned into a near-disaster as Pakistan secured, squandered and finally reclaimed control in a heart-stopping finish. Faheem emerged more saviour than hero, riding his luck after being dropped before smashing 24 runs in the penultimate over to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Pakistan were cruising at the halfway mark of the chase, needing just 50 from nine overs with eight wickets in hand, when Paul van Meekeren turned the match on its head. His double-wicket maiden sparked a dramatic collapse, with Pakistan managing only 21 runs in the seven overs between the 12th and 19th while losing five wickets.
Babar Azam, required only to anchor the innings, succumbed to the pressure and holed out to Roelof van der Merwe, while panic spread through the batting order as the required rate soared.
The defining moment came in Logan van Beek’s over. Having already dismissed Shadab Khan earlier, van Beek appeared to have ended Faheem’s resistance when the allrounder skied a slower ball towards long-on. Max O’Dowd got both hands to the catch but spilled it, and the reprieve proved fatal. Faheem launched two more sixes and a boundary in the over, swinging momentum irreversibly Pakistan’s way before finishing the chase moments later.
Earlier, the Netherlands had shown admirable intent after being sent in by Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who cited the unexpected grass on the pitch. Michael Levitt set the tone by striking the first ball for four and followed it with a stunning pulled six off Shaheen Shah Afridi. Supported by Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann and captain Scott Edwards, the Netherlands raced to 79 in the first ten overs — their highest powerplay score against Pakistan.
However, a late collapse proved costly. After Edwards’ dismissal removed their last established power hitter, Pakistan tightened the screws through Abrar Ahmed’s clever variations. Saim Ayub chipped in with two wickets in his lone over, while Afridi and Salman Mirza closed out the innings. The Netherlands slumped from 127 for 4 to being bowled out for 147, losing six wickets for 20 runs in the final overs.
Pakistan’s chase began emphatically, with Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan attacking freely and seemingly knocking the fight out of the contest. At 98 for 2 after 11 overs, the target appeared well within reach before a spectacular diving catch by the 41-year-old van der Merwe ignited a sudden collapse.
Usman Khan chopped on soon after, and Babar’s ill-judged slog further fuelled the panic as Pakistan’s scoring dried up. The required rate ballooned alarmingly, turning a formality into a potential embarrassment.
In the end, Faheem’s late onslaught spared Pakistan an agonising defeat and ensured a winning start to their campaign — though the narrow escape served as a stark reminder of the fine margins in T20 cricket and the work still to be done if they are to progress comfortably in the tournament.