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T20 World Cup 2026

PAK vs NED Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: PAK (148/7 in 19.3 ov), survive massive scare on opening day

India Today Sports Desk
Colombo ,UPDATED: Feb 7, 2026 14:58 IST

Pakistan (PAK) vs Netherlands (NED) Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026: What a thriller in Colombo! Pakistan were cruising towards the 148-run target, before deciding to implode. It looked improbable in the last two overs, but a Faheem Ashraf special helps them cross the finish line. Crucial two points for Pakistan as they begin their campaign well. Kudos to the Netherlands for fighting hard.

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Pakistan vs Netherlands, T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan vs Netherlands, T20 World Cup 2026

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of Match No.1 of the T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and the Netherlands in Colombo.

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14:58 IST:
A thrilling start as the show rolls on - Right then, that is it from this edge-of-the-seat curtain-raiser at the World Cup, where Pakistan just get the better of the Netherlands to claim their first two points. However, the action does not stop here as the focus now shifts to Eden Gardens, Kolkata, where West Indies are taking on Scotland. That one will get underway shortly, and you can simply switch tabs to enjoy all the coverage of that game. Cheers!
14:55 IST:
The victorious skipper of Pakistan - Salman Agha reflected on a hard-fought opening victory, noting that while his side successfully restricted the Netherlands to a total they were happy to chase, their batting performance lacked the clinical edge he demands. He credited his spinners for maintaining their excellent six-month form to hold things really well in the field, but he expressed concern over the mid-innings collapse that followed a strong start with the bat. Highlighting the difficulty of starting an innings in the prevailing conditions, Salman emphasized that set batters must take greater responsibility to finish games rather than succumbing to pressure. Agha acknowledged the fact that just 2-3 bad overs can change the course of a T20 game.
14:58 IST:
The captain of Netherlands - Scott Edwards says that they were not at their best in all three facets of the game, but credits his team for hanging in there. Adds that they kept losing wickets at crucial times and could not build partnerships. He thinks that a score of over 160 would have given them a better chance, but they kept fighting with the ball. Praises Roelof van der Merwe and Paul van Meekeren for getting them back in the game with a couple of excellent spells.
14:51 IST:
Presentation time...
14:58 IST:
Dutch fightback undone at the death - The Netherlands will feel they had Pakistan within their grasp but let it slip away. For the first ten overs they looked out of the contest, but a double-wicket maiden from Paul van Meekeren pulled them right back into the game. They built on that momentum with a few more strikes to keep the pressure on the batters and did well to turn it into a real contest. However, Logan van Beek's 19th over went for 24 runs and tilted the game decisively. One cannot help but wonder if Max O’Dowd had clung on to that chance off Ashraf, the story might have read very differently.
14:42 IST:
A tale of two halves for the Netherlands - Earlier in the game, the Netherlands posted a somewhat decent total, but they could have got much more considering they were cruising at 127/4 before losing their last six wickets for just 20 runs. There were still a few positives, with Bas de Leede and skipper Scott Edwards leading the way through the middle overs. It was a strong all-round bowling effort from Pakistan, with Mirza picking up a three-fer, while the spinners, apart from Shadab Khan, shared six wickets between them, and Shaheen Afridi chipped in with one.
14:37 IST:
A chase full of twists and turns - Pakistan's chase started brightly, but Saim Ayub went a little too hard too early and fell after a breezy cameo, with Agha following him soon after despite playing a few crisp shots. Still, they raced to 61 in the Powerplay, largely driven by Sahibzada Farhan's attacking intent. Pakistan were 11 runs ahead of the Dutch at the break, but once Farhan departed for 47, things unraveled quickly, slipping from 98/2 to 98/4 and then from 114/5 to 114/7, leaving them needing 33 from the final three overs. With the pressure mounting, Faheem Ashraf stepped up, smashing 24 runs in the 19th over to all but seal the game before calmly finishing the job without further trouble.
14:49 IST:
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - It is none other than Faheem Ashraf for his knock of 29 off 11 balls. He attributed his match-winning performance to the aggressive, consistent brand of cricket Pakistan has cultivated over the past year. Addressing the high-pressure finish, Ashraf noted that his extensive experience in tight situations allowed him to maintain a calm mindset, focusing purely on his team role rather than the mounting tension. He revealed that his partnership strategy centered on wicket preservation and calculated accumulation, confident that boundaries would eventually flow if they stayed at the crease. While he humorously admitted to a moment of desperate prayer during a critical dropped catch, noting that his entire body was 'praying for the ball to drop' and he took pride in his ability to control his nerves during a mid-innings collapse, ultimately guiding his side to a successful result through disciplined execution.
14:29 IST:
Pakistan hold their nerve in a thriller - Phew! A thriller to kickstart the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, and Pakistan have escaped from jail here, with all the credit going to Faheem Ashraf for his match-winning 29 off 11 under pressure. The Netherlands were in front going into the final three overs, but they have let it slip away and suffer heartbreak in the opening clash.
14:25 IST:
19.3: Bas de Leede to Faheem Ashraf, ​​​​​​FOUR! Pakistan win by 3 wickets. A game-defining knock from Faheem Ashraf as he finishes things off in style with 29 off 11 balls. Full toss, wide of off, Faheem Ashraf pumps this wide to the fielder at sweeper cover and the ball bounces just in front of the fence and goes over it for four. 
14:36 IST:
Sabyasachi says

What an opener in Colombo

Pakistan have had the final say, clinching a dramatic three-wicket win over the Netherlands. With 29 needed off the final two overs, it looked as though the Dutch might snatch victory from the jaws of defeat — but Faheem Ashraf had other ideas, smashing a breathtaking 29 off just 11 balls to haul Pakistan out of jail.

After stumbling in their opening match against the USA in 2024, Pakistan were staring at another early embarrassment, only for Faheem to turn the script on its head. A thriller in Colombo comes to an end, and now it’s time to shift focus to the second game of the day, as Scotland take on the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

14:25 IST:
19.2: Bas de Leede to Faheem Ashraf, Slower bumper, around off. Faheem Ashraf goes for the hook but misses.
14:25 IST:
19.1: Bas de Leede to Shaheen Afridi, Good length on middle and leg, Shaheen pulls this to deep square leg for a run.
14:27 IST:
24 runs from the last over, and this game has slipped away from the Dutch. And with Kyle Klein out of the field, it will be Bas de Leede to bowl the last over. He has 4 runs to defend here. 5 for Pakistan to win. Is there more twist left? 
Score 143/7
BatsmanFaheem Ashraf 25(9b 1*4 3*6)
BowlerLogan van Beek 4-0-46-1
14:23 IST:
18.6: Logan van Beek to Faheem Ashraf, FOUR! Edged and gone for four. 24 off this Logan van Beek over and this game has changed on its head. Good length around off, Faheem Ashraf swings at it, gets the outside edge and the ball races between the keeper and short third for a boundary. 5 needed off 6 balls. 
14:23 IST:
18.5: Logan van Beek to Faheem Ashraf, SIX! Third biggie off the over and Faheem Ashraf has played a blinder here. Slower one, good length, on the pads, Faheem Ashraf slogs this deep into the crowd towards the deep square leg region for a telling six. 
14:24 IST:
18.4: Logan van Beek to Faheem Ashraf, Wide yorker, around off, Faheem Ashraf looks to get bat on ball but misses.
14:20 IST:
Sabyasachi says

T20 World Cup live score: O'Dowd hobbles off

Max O’Dowd has hobbled off in visible discomfort after dropping a catch off Faheem Ashraf. The Netherlands need him badly, given he is one of their key batters, and it now remains to be seen what the medical update is once the doctors have assessed him.

14:22 IST:
18.3: Logan van Beek to Faheem Ashraf, SIX! Salt on the wounds of the Dutch side as Faheem Ashraf smashes another biggie. Hard length, around off, Faheem Ashraf stands his ground and smashes up and over the fence towards the long off region for yet another biggie. 15 off 9.
14:21 IST:
Kyle Klein is suffering from cramps, and unforutnately he is walking off the field now with the help of the physio. Hopefully, it is nothing serious.
14:20 IST:
18.2: Logan van Beek to Faheem Ashraf, DROPPED! That's what pressure does to you. Low full toss, slower around off, Faheem Ashraf goes after it, miscues it off the cue end and hits this to the right of Max O'Dowd at long on. Max runs to his right and does the hard work but as he falls on the deck, the ball pops out and Faheem Ashraf gets a lifeline. A couple more taken. 
14:18 IST:
18.1: Logan van Beek to Faheem Ashraf, SIX! Pressure reliever for Faheem Ashraf and that Pakistan dugout. Good length on middle and leg, Faheem Ashraf stays leg side to it and slogs this out of the park towards the deep mid-wicket region for a huge six. 23 needed now off the last 11 balls.
14:18 IST:
Will Logan van Beek bowl the penultimate over, or will Scott Edwards save him for the last? It is van Beek to bowl the 19th. 29 needed in 12 balls.
Score 119/7
BatsmanShaheen Afridi 4(8b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerPaul van Meekeren 4-1-20-2
14:18 IST:
17.6: Paul van Meekeren to Shaheen Afridi, Slower one, short and on leg, fingers rolled on this from Paul. Shaheen Afridi goes for a pull again but misses yet again. 
14:17 IST:
17.5: Paul van Meekeren to Shaheen Afridi, Some spice from the pacer as Paul van Meekeren bangs this short and on leg, Shaheen Afridi backs away and looks to pull but misses.
14:21 IST:
17.4: Paul van Meekeren to Shaheen Afridi, Back of a length, wide of off, Shaheen Afridi chips this behind the fielder at mid off and takes a couple here.
14:20 IST:
17.3: Paul van Meekeren to Faheem Ashraf, Full and wide of off, Faheem Ashraf drives this to deep point for a single. 
14:14 IST:
17.2: Paul van Meekeren to Shaheen Afridi, Clever from Paul as he follows Shaheen Afridi to his leg and cramps the batter for any sort of room. Shaheen Afridi edges this off the inside, onto his pads for a single as the ball rolls through silly point.
14:14 IST:
17.1: Paul van Meekeren to Shaheen Afridi, Around that nagging length, going across the batter. Shaheen Afridi looks to block but gets beaten. 
14:15 IST:
Paul van Meekeren to bowl out now. He has been superb, giving away just 16 runs in his 3 overs, which includes a double-wicket maiden.
Score 115/7
BatsmanFaheem Ashraf 0(2b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerLogan van Beek 3-0-22-1
14:13 IST:
16.6: Logan van Beek to Faheem Ashraf, Good length around off, Faheem Ashraf pushes this to backward point and has to settle for another dot. 33 runs needed off the last 3 overs.
14:13 IST:
Sabyasachi says

T20 World Cup live score: Pakistan in all sorts of trouble

Pakistan have dug a massive hole for themselves. In a chase they should have wrapped up with five overs to spare, they are now scrambling just to reach the target. The required run rate is hovering around 10, the Netherlands are sensing something special, and Pakistan look shell-shocked at the moment.

14:12 IST:
16.5: Logan van Beek to Faheem Ashraf, Back of a length around off, Faheem Ashraf pushes this to point for no run.
14:13 IST:
16.4: Logan van Beek to Shaheen Afridi, Full and on off, Shaheen Afridi thumps this down to long off for a single.
14:12 IST:
16.3: Logan van Beek to Shaheen Afridi, On a length around off, Shaheen Afridi punches this to covers.
14:11 IST:
16.2: Logan van Beek to Shaheen Afridi, Good length around off, Shaheen Afridi pokes at it but misses. 
14:11 IST:
Shaheen Afridi walks out to bat now, with Pakistan in a spot of bother here.
14:10 IST:
16.1: Logan van Beek to Shadab Khan, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Two-in-two for the Netherlands and they have the upper hand for the first time in this contest. Good length, around the pads, Shadab Khan looks to flick this around fine leg but manages just a faint tickle that is taken behind the stumps by Scott Edwards. However, he has taken the review here, but does not look that confident. UltraEdge confirms the edge and he has to walk back now. Pakistan are 114/7 now, still needing 34 runs in 23 balls.
14:09 IST:
Is that out? Shadab Khan has been strangled down the leg side, but he has taken a review here. The UltraEdge comes up and shows a clear spike when the ball passes the bat. It is OUT.
14:08 IST:
We have a game on our hands now! Faheem Ashraf joins Shadab Khan out in the middle now. Also, Logan van Beek (2-0-21-0) comes back into the attack.
Score 114/6
BatsmanMohammad Nawaz 6(13b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerKyle Klein 3-0-23-1
14:06 IST:
15.6: Kyle Klein to Mohammad Nawaz, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Nawaz throws in the towel with a mistimed stroke in anger and has to walk back. Kyle Klein continues from around the stumps, rolls his fingers on a short one into the batter. Mohammad Nawaz clears his front foot and looks to heave this out of the park but mishits this. The ball hangs over the keeper and Scott Edwards does the rest by pouching this cleanly. 34 needed off 24 balls. 
14:05 IST:
15.5: Kyle Klein to Mohammad Nawaz, Slower one, short and wide of off, Mohammad Nawaz leaves it expecting a wide but the umpire calls it a fair one.
14:04 IST:
15.4: Kyle Klein to Shadab Khan, Pitched up, around off, Shadab Khan hammers this to the right of the fielder at mid off. Max O'Dowd does well to put in a dive to his right and keep it down to one.
14:03 IST:
15.3: Kyle Klein to Mohammad Nawaz, On a length around middle and off, Mohammad Nawaz heaves it around the cow corner for a single.
14:03 IST:
15.2: Kyle Klein to Mohammad Nawaz, Good length, wide of off, Mohammad Nawaz has a go at it with a wild slash but misses out.
14:02 IST:
15.1: Kyle Klein to Shadab Khan, On a length around middle and off, Shadab Khan chips this through mid on for one.
Score 111/5
BatsmanShadab Khan 6(9b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerAryan Dutt 4-0-33-2
14:02 IST:
14.6: Aryan Dutt to Shadab Khan, Fires this one full and around off, Shadab Khan goes down across for the paddle but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls wide of short third. They cross. There is also a shout for LBW, but turned down as the impact is way outside off. Aryan Dutt finishes a good spell of bowling with figures of 4-0-33-2.
14:04 IST:
Sabyasachi says

T20 WC Live Score: Is the match turning?

The Netherlands have mounted a remarkable comeback. With Pakistan needing 37 runs from the final 30 balls, the Dutch will believe they are very much in this contest. Pakistan were cruising not long ago, but suddenly find themselves in a tricky spot — one more wicket, and the Netherlands could start to sense a famous upset.

14:00 IST:
14.5: Aryan Dutt to Mohammad Nawaz, Flatter, full and on leg, Mohammad Nawaz flicks it away to deep mid-wicket for another run.
14:00 IST:
14.4: Aryan Dutt to Mohammad Nawaz, Pushed through quicker, short and on middle, goes in with the arm. Mohammad Nawaz gets hurried on the back foot and just about keeps it out.
13:59 IST:
14.3: Aryan Dutt to Shadab Khan, Floated, full and on middle, Shadab Khan drills it to long on for a run.
13:58 IST:
14.2: Aryan Dutt to Mohammad Nawaz, Tossed up, full and on middle, Mohammad Nawaz eases it to long off for a single. 40 runs needed in 34 balls now.
13:58 IST:
14.1: Aryan Dutt to Mohammad Nawaz, Flatter, short and around off, skids through, Mohammad Nawaz tries to cut it away but misses.
Score 107/5
BatsmanMohammad Nawaz 3(5b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerPaul van Meekeren 3-1-16-2
13:57 IST:
13.6: Paul van Meekeren to Mohammad Nawaz, Good length and around off, Mohammad Nawaz steers it away through point for one.
13:59 IST:
Akshay Ramesh

T20 World Cup live score: It's getting tense in Colombo

Pakistan need 41 off 36 deliveries. It's still their match to lose. But, Pakistan are Pakistan. 

Pakistan were cruising towards the 148-run target, having reached 98 for 2 in 11 overs. 

However, Paul van Meekeren struck twice in the 12th over, removing the well-set Sahibzada Farhan. 

Since then, they have managed just 17 runs in the last four overs, also losing senior campaigner Babar Azam, who disappointed with the bat. 

Can the Netherlands hold on and pull off an upset? 

13:56 IST:
13.5: Paul van Meekeren to Mohammad Nawaz, Back of a length and outside off, Mohammad Nawaz slashes at it but misses.
13:59 IST:
Uh..oh! It looks like Paul van Meekeren is suffering from cramps here, and while he receives treatment, the umpires have called for Drinks. Pakistan were cruising to a victory but excellent bowling from Paul van Meekeren first and Roelof van der Merwe after him to remove 3 opponent batters in a span of 2 overs has brought the Dutch side back in the contest a bit. Pakistan are still in the pole position but with 42 more needed, a couple of more quick wickets might set this game to a close finish. 
13:52 IST:
13.5: Paul van Meekeren to Mohammad Nawaz, WIDE! Short of a length but down the leg side, rises up a bit off the deck. Mohammad Nawaz tries to hook it away but misses. The umpire takes his time but signals the wide.
13:52 IST:
13.4: Paul van Meekeren to Mohammad Nawaz, Bangs in a bouncer now, on middle and leg, Mohammad Nawaz ducks under it.
13:51 IST:
13.3: Paul van Meekeren to Shadab Khan, Tight single! Back of a length and on off, Shadab Khan pats it in front of short cover and calls his partner for the run. Mohammad Nawaz responds well and makes his ground. The fielder misses his shy at the batter's end, but even with a direct hit, Nawaz would have been home.
13:50 IST:
13.2: Paul van Meekeren to Mohammad Nawaz, Pitched up and around off, Mohammad Nawaz drives it through covers for a run.
13:49 IST:
13.1: Paul van Meekeren to Shadab Khan, Good length and on off, Shadab Khan taps it out towars short cover and scampers across for a single.
Score 102/5
BatsmanShadab Khan 2(5b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerRoelof van der Merwe 3-0-13-1
13:48 IST:
12.6: Roelof van der Merwe to Shadab Khan, Shorish and around off, Shadab Khan punches it to sweeper cover for one. 1/13 in 3 overs, Roelof van der Merwe continues to impress. 
13:51 IST:
Sabyasachi says

T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan struggling

No, no, no — that is not what Pakistan needed. Babar Azam is gone, and Pakistan are now five down. From a position of complete control, they’ve lost their way just a touch.

That said, the game is still Pakistan’s to lose. With Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz at the crease — both more than capable with the bat — Pakistan remain well placed to see this through.

13:48 IST:
12.5: Roelof van der Merwe to Mohammad Nawaz, Flatter, full and on off, Mohammad Nawaz tucks it towards mid-wicket for one.
13:48 IST:
Pakistan are in a batting collapse of their own. From 98 for 2 to 100 for 5. Mohammad Nawaz walks out next for Pakistan. 
13:49 IST:
12.4: Roelof van der Merwe to Babar Azam, OUT! CAUGHT! Roelof van der Merwe strikes now. Pakistan have lost 3 wickets on the last 10 balls. This is tossed up, full and around off. Babar Azam uses his feet to go big down the ground, but cuts across it. He ends up slicing it high in the air towards long off, where Kyle Klein runs to his left and takes a good catch. Babar departs for a scratchy 15 off 18, and Pakistan are 100/5, still needing 48 runs in 44 balls. Game on? 
13:45 IST:
12.3: Roelof van der Merwe to Babar Azam, Slows it up, full and on off, Babar Azam gets forward and blocks it out.
13:45 IST:
12.2: Roelof van der Merwe to Shadab Khan, Flighted, full and on off, Shadab Khan lofts it to long off for a run.
13:45 IST:
12.1: Roelof van der Merwe to Babar Azam, Floated, full and on off, Babar Azam pushes it through covers for a single.
14:04 IST:
A double-wicket maiden from Paul van Meekeren and the Netherlands could sense an opening here. Also, Roelof van der Merwe is back on.
Score 98/4
BatsmanShadab Khan 0(3b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerPaul van Meekeren 2-1-11-2
13:54 IST:
11.6: Paul van Meekeren to Shadab Khan, Double-wicket maiden over! A wide yorker, outside off, Shadab Khan jams it out to mid off.
13:46 IST:
Sabyasachi says

T20 World Cup 2026 PAK vs NED: Van Meekeren breathes fire

What an incredible over from Paul van Meekeren. Just when Pakistan looked to be cruising, he struck with a stunning double-wicket maiden.

That said, Pakistan would still back themselves with 50 needed off 48 balls. Babar Azam remains at the crease alongside Shadab Khan, who is more than capable of getting the job done with the bat.

13:43 IST:
11.5: Paul van Meekeren to Shadab Khan, Good length and just around off, Shadab Khan watches it through and leaves it alone.
13:47 IST:
11.4: Paul van Meekeren to Shadab Khan, Fuller delivery but angling down the leg side, Shadab Khan looks to flick it away but misses. There is a shout from the keeper for a caught behind, but turned down. There was a noise but maybe the ball just brushed the pads.
13:42 IST:
A couple of quick wickets for the Netherlands and Shadab Khan replaces Usman in the middle. 
13:41 IST:
11.3: Paul van Meekeren to Usman Khan, OUT! DRAGGED ON! Could this be the over that gets the Dutch back in this game? Well, Paul van Meekeren has given them some hope here. He hits the length hard and around off, it takes off a bit after landing. Usman Khan tries to guide it away with an angled bat but it's too close to his body and he gets an inside edge back onto the stumps. Usman departs for a two-ball duck, and Pakistan slips from 98/2 to 98/4.
13:40 IST:
11.2: Paul van Meekeren to Usman Khan, Pitched up and on middle, Usman Khan knocks it back to the bowler.
13:40 IST:
Usman Khan is the next batter for Pakistan. 
13:39 IST:
11.1: Paul van Meekeren to Sahibzada Farhan, OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Paul van Meekeren gets the set batter now. He bangs this into the pitch, on middle, gets some extra bounce. Sahibzada Farhan looks to swat it down the ground but gets into an awkward position. He fails to handle the bounce and gets a top edge towards long on. Roelof van der Merwe runs forward and takes a fantastic diving catch just above the ground. Farhan walks back for 47 off 31, missing out on his half-century. 50 runs needed in 53 balls. 
Score 98/2
BatsmanSahibzada Farhan 47(30b 4*4 2*6)
BowlerBas de Leede 1-0-8-0
13:38 IST:
10.6: Bas de Leede to Sahibzada Farhan, Short of a length and on middle, Sahibzada Farhan gets on top of the bounce and pulls it to deep square leg for one.
13:37 IST:
10.5: Bas de Leede to Babar Azam, Right in the blockhole, on middle, Babar Azam does well to dig it out beside the pitch and takes a run.
13:36 IST:
10.4: Bas de Leede to Babar Azam, FOUR! Easy pickings! Bas de Leede errs in line and serves this full but down the leg side. Babar Azam just has to get some bat on it and tickles it away to the fine leg fence for a boundary, his first. 
13:35 IST:
10.3: Bas de Leede to Sahibzada Farhan, Hard length and around off, Sahibzada Farhan uses his wrists and works it towards long on for a run.
13:35 IST:
Change of bat once again for Sahibzada Farhan. 
13:34 IST:
10.2: Bas de Leede to Sahibzada Farhan, On a length and on off, Sahibzada Farhan loses his bottom hand and pushes it to short cover.
13:34 IST:
10.1: Bas de Leede to Babar Azam, Fuller and outside off, Babar Azam bunts it out towards long off for a single.
Score 90/2
BatsmanBabar Azam 8(12b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerKyle Klein 2-0-20-0
13:32 IST:
9.6: Kyle Klein to Babar Azam, On a length around the pads, Babar Azam tucks this through mid-wicket and takes a run. 58 needed more at the halfway mark.
13:32 IST:
9.5: Kyle Klein to Sahibzada Farhan, Hard length, on off, Sahibzada Farhan pushes this gently to mid off and rotates the strike. 
13:31 IST:
9.5: Kyle Klein to Sahibzada Farhan, WIDE! Bumper, way too high on the batter. Sahibzada Farhan leaves it. Wided. 
13:31 IST:
9.4: Kyle Klein to Sahibzada Farhan, Full and down the leg, Sahibzada Farhan gets inside the line and looks for a flick but misses. The umpire doesn't call it a wide.
13:30 IST:
9.3: Kyle Klein to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Off-cutter, into the deck from Kyle Klein. Sahibzada Farhan reads this early and waits for the ball to arrive close to him on his back foot. Smashes this through the backward square leg region for a boundary. The required rate drops below 6 now. 
13:29 IST:
9.2: Kyle Klein to Babar Azam, On a length slanting down the leg, Babar Azam nudges this through mid-wicket for one.
13:28 IST:
9.1: Kyle Klein to Sahibzada Farhan, Back of a length around middle and leg, Sahibzada Farhan gets up on his toes and tucks this through mid-wicket. Initial call is of two from SF but the ball races to the deep mid-wicket fielder and the batters settle for one.
Score 81/2
BatsmanSahibzada Farhan 39(23b 3*4 2*6)
BowlerRoelof van der Merwe 2-0-9-0
13:27 IST:
8.6: Roelof van der Merwe to Sahibzada Farhan, Fired into the batter, Farhan flicks this through mid-wicket and takes one. A couple of good tidy overs from Roelof van der Merwe but the same kind of support isn't available at the opposite end. 
13:30 IST:
Sabyasachi says

PAK vs NED Match: Farhan keeps Pakistan in control

Sahibzada Farhan has kept Pakistan firmly in control of the chase. With only 67 runs needed off 66 balls, Pakistan are in cruise mode, and much of the credit goes to Farhan, who has played with freedom and intent to ensure the Netherlands never find a way back into the contest.

Babar Azam, meanwhile, is taking his time to assess the conditions and get the measure of the Dutch attack.

13:27 IST:
8.5: Roelof van der Merwe to Sahibzada Farhan, Quicker one, on off, Sahibzada Farhan pushes this towards the right of extra cover for no run.
13:26 IST:
8.4: Roelof van der Merwe to Babar Azam, Quicker one, around middle and off, Babar Azam gets it away through covers for a run.
13:26 IST:
8.3: Roelof van der Merwe to Sahibzada Farhan, Full and around middle and off, Sahibzada Farhan drives this through mid off for another strike rotation. 
13:26 IST:
8.2: Roelof van der Merwe to Babar Azam, Flighted around leg, Babar Azam tucks this through mid on for a single. 
13:25 IST:
8.1: Roelof van der Merwe to Sahibzada Farhan, Pushed through wide of off, Sahibzada Farhan hits this to long off for one.
Score 76/2
BatsmanSahibzada Farhan 36(19b 3*4 2*6)
BowlerPaul van Meekeren 1-0-11-0
13:24 IST:
7.6: Paul van Meekeren to Sahibzada Farhan, Back of a length around middle and leg, Sahibzada Farhan pulls this to deep mid-wicket for a single to close the over. 
13:24 IST:
7.5: Paul van Meekeren to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Edged and gone for four. Pace on offer, short and wide of off, Sahibzada Farhan looks for the pull but gets the timing wrong. Top-edged this behind the stumps and the ball still races to the fence for four more. 
13:23 IST:
7.4: Paul van Meekeren to Sahibzada Farhan, Slower one, around middle and off, Sahibzada Farhan flicks this a bit too hard, straight to mid on. Loud call of no from Farhan straightaway. 
13:22 IST:
7.3: Paul van Meekeren to Babar Azam, Short and on off, Babar Azam pulls this in front of square on leg towards deep mid-wicket for a single. This chase is tailor-made for someone like Babar who brings assurance to the crease more than strike rate. 
13:22 IST:
7.2: Paul van Meekeren to Sahibzada Farhan, Good length on middle and off, Sahibzada Farhan pushes this to the left of mid on and rotates the strike. 
13:21 IST:
7.1: Paul van Meekeren to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Punched down the ground​​​​​​. Pitched up, around middle and off, Sahibzada Farhan stays deep inside the crease and muscles this past the bowler to his right for a boundary. This was loading after a quiet last over. 
Score 65/2
BatsmanBabar Azam 3(7b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerRoelof van der Merwe 1-0-4-0
13:20 IST:
6.6: Roelof van der Merwe to Babar Azam, Another one flighted from Roelof van der Merwe, around off. Babar Azam uses his feet and dances down the track. Bumps this back to the bowler. A crowd catch from Roelof. 
13:24 IST:
Sabyasachi says

Live Score: Should Babar pick up pace?

Babar Azam is known to take his time early, and this innings has been no different. However, as Wasim Akram rightly pointed out, Babar needs to at least operate at a run-a-ball.

Akram warned that Pakistan could come under pressure if they were to lose a couple of quick wickets and allow the required run rate to climb past eight, or even higher.

13:19 IST:
6.5: Roelof van der Merwe to Babar Azam, Full and on off, Babar Azam pushes this a bit too close to extra cover and settles for a dot. 
13:19 IST:
6.4: Roelof van der Merwe to Sahibzada Farhan, Pushed through on off, Sahibzada Farhan smashes this to the left of long off and takes a run.
13:18 IST:
6.3: Roelof van der Merwe to Babar Azam, Flighted, on off. Babar Azam gets right on top of the bounce and rolls this to long off for another strike rotation. 
13:18 IST:
6.2: Roelof van der Merwe to Sahibzada Farhan, Floated around off, Sahibzada Farhan rocks back and punches this through the left of extra cover for a single. 
13:17 IST:
6.1: Roelof van der Merwe to Babar Azam, Flighted around middle and leg, Babar Azam flicks this through mid-wicket for one.
13:19 IST:
DRINKS! After the Powerplay, Netherlands were 50/2, so Pakistan are ahead in terms of runs. They do not have to take many risks, as there is no pressure of the asking rate, but looking at their approach, it looks like they want to chase this target as soon as possible, because NRR may play a big role later in the tournament. The Dutch need wickets as only that currency can get them back in this game. Scott Edwards has introduced Roelof van der Merwe to bowl after the break.
Score 61/2
BatsmanSahibzada Farhan 24(12b 1*4 2*6)
BowlerLogan van Beek 2-0-21-0
13:14 IST:
5.6: Logan van Beek to Sahibzada Farhan, Good length, going down the leg, Sahibzada Farhan misses out on a flick and gets rapped on the pads. 61/2 after Powerplay! 
13:19 IST:
Sabyasachi says

T20 World Cup 2026 PAK vs NED: Powerplay belongs to Pakistan

Pakistan may have lost the wickets of Saim Ayub and Salman Agha, but Sahibzada Farhan ensured the powerplay firmly belonged to them. The required run rate has dropped to almost a run a ball, and all Pakistan need now is calm, composed cricket to cross the finish line. There’s also an opportunity here to win big and give their net run rate a healthy boost.

13:14 IST:
5.5: Logan van Beek to Babar Azam, Missed run out chance! Back of a length around middle and leg, Babar Azam dabs this around covers and calls for one. Sahibzada Farhan runs straightaway but even that wouldn't have been good enough had the throw from Bas de Leede hit the stumps at the striker's end. That would have been a massive wicket for the Dutch. 
13:13 IST:
5.4: Logan van Beek to Babar Azam, Back of a length around off, Babar Azam looks to cut this off his back foot but misses. 
13:12 IST:
5.3: Logan van Beek to Sahibzada Farhan, Excellent effort from the Dutch pacer to save three runs for his side. Short and on off, Sahibzada Farhan punches this crisply towards the left of mid on and a diving effort to his left from Kyle Klein saves three for the Netherlands. 
13:12 IST:
5.2: Logan van Beek to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! That has been flicked up and over the fence for a biggie. Full and drifting down leg, Sahibzada Farhan leans inside the line and just whips at it with fast hands to flick this over the fence towards deep square leg for a biggie. 
13:10 IST:
5.1: Logan van Beek to Sahibzada Farhan, Good length, angling into the batter, Sahibzada Farhan dances down the track and gets cramped for any sort of room. Ends up getting hit around the thigh pad.
Score 53/2
BatsmanBabar Azam 0(1b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerAryan Dutt 3-0-29-2
13:09 IST:
4.6: Aryan Dutt to Babar Azam, Short once more, outside off, Babar Azam steers it away to point.
13:09 IST:
Babar Azam walks out to replace his skipper in the middle.
13:08 IST:
4.5: Aryan Dutt to Salman Agha, OUT! CAUGHT! Aryan Dutt gets the revenge. He bowls this slower through the air this time, full and outside off. Salman Agha backs away again to go over covers, but has to reach out for it. He ends up slicing it off the outer half of the bat straight to extra cover, where Michael Levitt crouches and reverse cups it nicely. Pakistan lose their skipper, and are 53/2 now. 95 runs needed in 91 balls. 
13:07 IST:
4.4: Aryan Dutt to Salman Agha, FOUR! Pleasing to the eye! Aryan Dutt bowls this quicker and shorter, just around off. Salman Agha makes a bit of room, gets on top of it and smacks it past the diving cover-point fielder for another boundary. 50 UP FOR PAKISTAN!
13:07 IST:
4.3: Aryan Dutt to Sahibzada Farhan, Short again and on middle, Sahibzada Farhan moves back and swats it to long on for a single.
13:06 IST:
4.2: Aryan Dutt to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! Even better and bigger now! Tossed up, full and on off, Sahibzada Farhan goes down on one knee. He does not quite get to the pitch of it, but reaches out and hoicks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen of runs.
13:05 IST:
4.1: Aryan Dutt to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Top shot! Aryan Dutt bowls this short and outside off. Sahibzada Farhan uses the width on offer, backs away and cuts it away powerfully through point for a boundary.
Score 38/1
BatsmanSalman Agha 8(6b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerKyle Klein 1-0-11-0
13:04 IST:
3.6: Kyle Klein to Salman Agha, Pitched up and just outside off, Salman Agha tries to reach out for it but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls beside the stumps. There is a bit of a mix-up between the batters, and they decide against the run in the end. However, Agha does not look happy with his partner here.
13:11 IST:
Sabyasachi says

PAK vs NED: Salman Agha 2.0 on fire

Salman Agha has been nothing short of outstanding since moving to No. 3 — almost as if the position has given his batting a new lease of life. Batting there, he has piled up 305 runs at a staggering strike rate of 167.58, a massive jump from his career strike rate of 122.9. In comparison, his strike rates at other positions read 108.04 at No. 4 and 102.04 at No. 5, underlining just how transformative the move up the order has been.

13:04 IST:
3.5: Kyle Klein to Salman Agha, On a length and on off, Salman Agha opens the face of his bat and steers it away towards point.
13:02 IST:
3.4: Kyle Klein to Salman Agha, FOUR MORE! Nice shot! Kyle Klein bangs this into the pitch, but not short enough to trouble the batter. Salman Agha expects that length, hangs back on the back foot and pulls it over mid-wicket for another boundary.
13:01 IST:
3.3: Kyle Klein to Salman Agha, FOUR! That is a beautiful shot! Good length and on middle and off. Salman Agha uses his feet, stays leg side of the ball and drives it crisply on the up through covers for a boundary.
13:01 IST:
3.2: Kyle Klein to Sahibzada Farhan, Full again and on the pads, Sahibzada Farhan flicks it and finds the gap at mid-wicket. The fielder from deep square leg runs to his left to cut it out. The batters have enough time to take the third run.
13:00 IST:
3.1: Kyle Klein to Sahibzada Farhan, Fuller and on middle, angling in, Sahibzada Farhan tucks it away straight to short mid-wicket.
13:04 IST:
Just one over for Logan van Beek (1-0-13-0) as Kyle Klein replaces him in the attack.
Score 27/1
BatsmanSalman Agha 0(2b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerAryan Dutt 2-0-14-1
12:59 IST:
2.6: Aryan Dutt to Salman Agha, Agha shimmies before the ball is released by Dutt and the bowler is clever enough to drag his length back and bowl at a quicker pace on off. Salman Agha ends up blocking this to covers. 
13:00 IST:
Sabyasachi says

Live Score: Dutt stops and Ayub surge

Saim Ayub will be gutted with that dismissal. He was batting fluently but ended up throwing away a promising start. That said, he has provided Pakistan with the momentum they needed in the powerplay.

The responsibility now shifts to Salman Agha, who has enjoyed success since promoting himself to No. 3 in the Pakistan batting order.

12:58 IST:
2.5: Aryan Dutt to Salman Agha, Pushed through around off, Salman Agha pokes at it and gets it edged to short third.
12:58 IST:
After his recent success at 3, Salman Agha walks out to bat next for Pakistan. 
12:58 IST:
2.4: Aryan Dutt to Saim Ayub, OUT! TAKEN! Aryan Dutt gets his man and Netherlands get the big breakthrough here. This is floated, full and on middle and leg. Saim Ayub goes for the no-look shot across the line, but there was no need for that shot. He mistimes it off the outer half of the bat, straight up in the air. Roelof van der Merwe at mid on, backtracks a bit, settles under it and takes a good catch. Ayub walks back for 24 off 13 and Pakistan are 27/1, chasing 148 runs.
12:56 IST:
2.3: Aryan Dutt to Saim Ayub, Flatter, shorish and on off, Saim Ayub stabs it out to short cover.
12:55 IST:
2.2: Aryan Dutt to Saim Ayub, FOUR! Great timing and placement! Aryan Dutt drops it short and just on off. Saim Ayub moves on the back foot and punches it. He does not try to hit it too hard just places it between cover and point for a boundary.
12:55 IST:
Change of bat for Sahibzada Farhan. While playing the previous stroke, Farhan might have just broken the bottom of his bat and he has now changed the willow.
12:54 IST:
2.1: Aryan Dutt to Sahibzada Farhan, Tossed up, full and on middle, Sahibzada Farhan goes down and slogs it to wide long on for a single.
Score 22/0
BatsmanSaim Ayub 20(10b 3*4 1*6)
BowlerLogan van Beek 1-0-13-0
12:53 IST:
1.6: Logan van Beek to Saim Ayub, Touch fuller and around off, Saim Ayub strides out and pushes it to extra cover. 13 from the over and Pakistan have raced to 22 in no time. 
12:52 IST:
1.5: Logan van Beek to Saim Ayub, Short and wide of off, Saim Ayub connects this well enough but fails to beat cover-point. 
12:52 IST:
1.4: Logan van Beek to Saim Ayub, FOUR! Hat-trick of boundaries! Logan van Beek errs in line again and serves this full, on the pads. Saim Ayub plays the pick-up shot again and whips it over mid-wicket for four more runs.
12:52 IST:
1.3: Logan van Beek to Saim Ayub, FOUR! Up and over! Short of a legnth and outside off, Saim Ayub gets the chance to free his arms and crunches the cut over point for another boundary.
12:51 IST:
1.2: Logan van Beek to Saim Ayub, FOUR! Put away! Fuller delivery, but angling into the pads. Saim Ayub picks it up and flicks it away with excellent timing through square leg for a boundary.
12:50 IST:
1.1: Logan van Beek to Sahibzada Farhan, Logan van Beek begins with a full delivery, on middle, Sahibzada Farhan drills it to the left of mid on, where the fielder dives but fumbles. A single taken.
12:49 IST:
Pace from the other end as Logan van Beek will be bowling alongside Aryan Dutt. 
Score 9/0
BatsmanSaim Ayub 8(5b 0*4 1*6)
BowlerAryan Dutt 1-0-9-0
12:49 IST:
0.6: Aryan Dutt to Saim Ayub, Flatter, full and around off, Saim Ayub drives it wide of long off for a brace. 9 runs off the first over!
12:51 IST:
Sabyasachi says

T20 World Cup 2026 PAK vs NED: Ayub in good form

Saim Ayub went through a difficult phase where he endured a string of matches without even opening his account. However, after the series against Australia — where he scored 119 runs across three games — he appears to have rediscovered his touch. Pakistan would certainly welcome a brisk start from him in this opening encounter.

12:50 IST:
0.5: Aryan Dutt to Saim Ayub, A shout for LBW, but turned down! Quicker, shortish and on off, Saim Ayub looks to work it across the line but misses and gets hit on the pads. 
12:47 IST:
0.4: Aryan Dutt to Saim Ayub, Arm ball, full and on middle, angling in. Saim Ayub winds up for the pull but adjusts to the length and fends it to the leg side.
12:47 IST:
0.3: Aryan Dutt to Saim Ayub, SIX! BANG! Intent early on from Saim Ayub. Floated, full and around middle. Ayub skips down the track to get to the pitch of the ball and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie.
12:46 IST:
0.2: Aryan Dutt to Saim Ayub, Tossed up, full and on middle, Saim Ayub gets forward and blocks it out.
12:46 IST:
0.1: Aryan Dutt to Sahibzada Farhan, Pakistan are underway in the chase! Aryan Dutt starts with a short delivery, on middle, Sahibzada Farhan punches it towards long on for a single.
12:49 IST:
We are back for the chase! Saim Ayub has walked out with Sahibzada Farhan to open for Pakistan. It will be spin to start for the Netherlands as Aryan Dutt has the ball in his hands. 
12:45 IST:
... THE RUN CHASE ...
12:48 IST:
The chase ahead - On paper, a target of 148 is well within the reach of the Pakistan side. However, as history has shown, Pakistan’s performances on the world stage are rarely devoid of drama. While they possess the firepower and a new, aggressive strategy to chase this down comfortably, the Big Stage jitters that often plague the Green Shirts remain a factor. With 147 on the board, the Dutch have a modest but defendable total. If they can apply early scoreboard pressure, we could be in for a classic. Stay tuned as we return with the chase. 
12:48 IST:
Pakistan’s spin web - The primary cause of the Dutch collapse was the introduction of Pakistan’s multi-faceted spin attack. The quartet of Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Shadab Khan proved to be the ultimate difference-makers, dismantling the middle order and claiming six wickets in total. Saim, Nawaz, and Abrar were particularly clinical, picking up two scalps each and squeezing the life out of the scoring rate. While Shaheen Shah Afridi endured an expensive opening spell, he returned late to claim a wicket, supported by Salman Mirza, who provided a vital breakthrough to wrap the tail and end with 3 wickets to help restrict the Dutch to 147.
12:47 IST:
The launch that never came - Despite the early fireworks, the Netherlands will feel they left runs on the table after promising so much more. Around the 13-over mark, the Dutch were cruising at 105/4 and looked poised for a massive finish. However, they completely lost their way in the final six overs. Key figures like Scott Edwards, Michael Levitt, and Bas de Leede all looked comfortable but fell at critical junctures just as they were preparing to launch. This inability to maintain a set batter into the death overs saw the innings stutter, leaving them perhaps 30-40 runs short of the towering total they once seemed destined to reach.
13:04 IST:
The Dutch charge and fall - What an epic collapse for the Dutch! From 127/4, their innings nosedived and got bundled out for 147. Adopting a fearless front-foot philosophy, the Dutch raced to 50 runs within the Powerplay for the loss of just two wickets. Michael Levitt set the tone early, spearheading an aggressive intent. There was no tentative feeling-out period as every batter arrived with a crystal-clear mandate to play each delivery on its merit while hunting for boundaries. Although the innings lacked the desired finishing touches. 
12:34 IST:
19.5: Salman Mirza to Paul van Meekeren, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Salman Mirza wraps things up here. He hits the length hard and on middle. Paul van Meekeren backs away and has a big heave across the line. He loses his bottom hand and gets a thick outside edge behind, where the keeper, Usman Khan, makes no mistake. Netherlands have been bowled out for 147.
12:41 IST:
Sabyasachi says

Pakistan vs Netherlands T20 Live: Pakistan field brilliantly

One of Pakistan’s longstanding Achilles’ heels has been their fielding, but on this occasion, it has been a clear strength. Despite Shadab Khan spilling a chance off his own bowling, Pakistan held on to nine catches, with Babar Azam particularly impressive in the deep after his sharp relay to help Shaheen Shah Afridi complete a boundary catch.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, will feel they let a strong platform slip. At the 15-over mark, they were cruising at around 8.20 an over and looked set for 165–170, but a flurry of late wickets prevented them from pressing the accelerator when it mattered most.

12:33 IST:
Paul van Meekeren is the last batter out in the middle to bat for the Netherlands. 
12:32 IST:
19.4: Salman Mirza to Aryan Dutt, OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust. Salman Mirza bowls this fuller, on middle and leg, takes pace off. Aryan Dutt has a no-look slog at it but only manages to get a top edge due to the lack of pace on the ball. It goes miles in the air towards deep square leg, where two fielders converge, but the calling from Sahibzada Farhan is good. He moves to his left, settles under it and takes a fine catch. Nine down for Netherlands.
12:31 IST:
19.3: Salman Mirza to Aryan Dutt, Pitched up and around off, Aryan Dutt drills it away, beating extra cover, but the fielder in the deep runs to his right and makes a good sliding stop. Two taken.
12:30 IST:
19.2: Salman Mirza to Aryan Dutt, Salman Mirza bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on middle. Aryan Dutt sways away and tries to upper cut it but it is a bit too quick for him.
12:30 IST:
19.1: Salman Mirza to Kyle Klein, Short of a length and outside off, Kyle Klein cuts it to deep point for a single. Good result for the Dutch as Dutt is back on strike.
12:30 IST:
Salman Mirza to bowl the final over of this inning. 
Score 144/8
BatsmanAryan Dutt 11(5b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerShaheen Afridi 3-0-28-1
12:28 IST:
18.6: Shaheen Afridi to Aryan Dutt, FOUR! Powered away! Shaheen Afridi misses the yorker again, serves this full and outside off. Aryan Dutt extends his arms to get right underneath it and smacks it through extra cover for a boundary.
12:28 IST:
18.5: Shaheen Afridi to Kyle Klein, Full and wide of off, Kyle Klein drives this to sweeper cover for a run. 
12:27 IST:
Kyle Klein is the next batter out in the middle.
12:27 IST:
18.4: Shaheen Afridi to Roelof van der Merwe, OUT! IN THE AIR...GONE! Change of pace works for Shaheen Afridi. He serves this full again and on off. Roelof van der Merwe looks to take it on and slogs across the line but goes through his shot a bit too early. Gets a top edge as the ball flies in the air towards mid off, where Salman Agha backtracks, gets under the high ball and pouches it safely with a reverse cup. Netherlands are 139/8 now.
12:26 IST:
18.3: Shaheen Afridi to Roelof van der Merwe, Swing and a miss! Misses the yorker and bowls a full delivery, around off, Roelof van der Merwe has a big swing across the line only to connect with thin air.
12:25 IST:
18.2: Shaheen Afridi to Roelof van der Merwe, Shaheen Afridi nails the wide yorker, outside off, Roelof van der Merwe fails to dig it out.
12:28 IST:
18.1: Shaheen Afridi to Roelof van der Merwe, Run out chance...missed! Fuller delivery and around off, Roelof van der Merwe opens the face of his bat and drives it wide of backward point. He sets off for the run without looking at the ball. Saim Ayub dives to his left to make a fine stop. He gets up, takes aim but misses the shy at the batter's end. Roelof van der Merwe was nowhere near the crease.
Score 139/7
BatsmanRoelof van der Merwe 4(5b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerAbrar Ahmed 4-0-23-2
12:23 IST:
17.6: Abrar Ahmed to Roelof van der Merwe, Gives this one some more air, full and on off, Roelof van der Merwe forces it down to long off for one more. Massive change of events as Netherlands are now found struggling to even touch 150. This is exceptional death bowling from the Men in Green. 
12:23 IST:
17.5: Abrar Ahmed to Aryan Dutt, Uppish but safe! This is slower through the air, full and on off, turns away. Aryan Dutt looks to clip it across the line but fails to read the spin. It goes off the leading edge but drops safely in the vacant extra cover region. They cross.
12:22 IST:
17.4: Abrar Ahmed to Roelof van der Merwe, Flighted, full and on middle, Roelof van der Merwe goes down and slogs it towards deep mid-wicket for another run.
12:22 IST:
17.3: Abrar Ahmed to Aryan Dutt, Quicker and shorter, on middle, Aryan Dutt nudges it out towards mid-wicket for a run.
12:21 IST:
17.2: Abrar Ahmed to Roelof van der Merwe, Flatter, shortish and on off, Roelof van der Merwe gets hurried but manages to stab it out towards backward point for a single.
12:21 IST:
17.1: Abrar Ahmed to Roelof van der Merwe, Flights it up, full and around off, Roelof van der Merwe cannot get under it and mistimes the drive towards short cover.
Score 134/7
BatsmanAryan Dutt 5(2b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerSaim Ayub 1-0-7-2
12:20 IST:
16.6: Saim Ayub to Aryan Dutt, FOUR! A cracking drive from the bat of Aryan Dutt to end the over with a boundary. Tossed up, around middle and off, Aryan Dutt strides to the pitch of the ball and drives this grounded through the covers region for four runs. 
12:21 IST:
Sabyasachi says

PAK vs NED Live: Ayub derails Netherlands charge

Saim Ayub has derailed the Netherlands’ charge in the death overs. That was a superb first over from the off-spinner, as the Dutch batters attempted to up the ante but failed to do so.

While his contribution with the bat will be crucial, Pakistan would be thrilled to see an in-form Saim Ayub delivering with the ball as well.

12:20 IST:
16.5: Saim Ayub to Roelof van der Merwe, Slows it up, full and on off, Roelof van der Merwe taps it out towards cover-point for one.
12:22 IST:
Roelof van der Merwe joins Aryan Dutt out in the middle. 
12:21 IST:
16.4: Saim Ayub to Zach Lion-Cachet, OUT! CAUGHT! Saim Ayub with the double strike. He drops it short and around middle, it is there to be put away. Zach Lion-Cachet rocks back quickly to pull it away, but gets it from the bottom part of his bat. He only gets the height as it goes in the air towards deep mid-wicket, where Mohammad Nawaz settles under it and takes a good catch. Netherlands have slipped from 127/4 to 129/7.
12:18 IST:
16.3: Saim Ayub to Aryan Dutt, Flighted around off, Aryan Dutt rolls this through mid off for a single to get off the mark. 
12:19 IST:
The wheels are coming off at the backend of the innings for Netherlands. Out walks Aryan Dutt. 
12:16 IST:
16.2: Saim Ayub to Logan van Beek, OUT! CAUGHT! A soft dismissal and Saim Ayub joins the party now. He floats it up, full and just on off, sticks to the surface a bit. Logan van Beek looks to push it away but goes through the shot a bit early. It hits him high on the bat and lobs up towards short cover, where Salman Agha takes a dolly. Logan walks back for a golden duck, and Netherlands are just losing their way.
12:19 IST:
16.1: Saim Ayub to Zach Lion-Cachet, Flighted, full and on middle, Zach Lion-Cachet lofts it down to long on for a single.
12:15 IST:
Logan van Beek is out with the bat in his hands for the Netherlands. 
Score 127/5
BatsmanScott Edwards 37(29b 3*4 1*6)
BowlerAbrar Ahmed 3-0-18-2
12:15 IST:
15.6: Abrar Ahmed to Scott Edwards, OUT! TAKEN! Abrar Ahmed gets his second, and this is a big wicket for Pakistan at a crucial time. Flighted delivery, full and on off, Scott Edwards goes down and across for the slog sweep but his bottom hand comes off as he plays the shot. He fails to get the elevation and the ball flies straight towards deep square leg, where Sahibzada Farhan settles under it and reverse cups it nicely. Edwards departs for a well-made 37 off 29, and the Dutch lose half their side now.
12:13 IST:
15.5: Abrar Ahmed to Scott Edwards, Floated, full and around off, Scott Edwards drills it really hard but straight to extra cover.
12:13 IST:
15.4: Abrar Ahmed to Scott Edwards, Flatter, short and outside off, Scott Edwards slashes hard at it. Gets an outside edge wide of short third for a couple of runs.
12:13 IST:
15.3: Abrar Ahmed to Zach Lion-Cachet, Goes short and quick, on leg, Zach Lion-Cachet stays back and flicks it through square leg for a run.
12:13 IST:
15.2: Abrar Ahmed to Zach Lion-Cachet, A googly, full and on off, turns in sharply. Zach Lion-Cachet fends it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.
12:12 IST:
15.1: Abrar Ahmed to Scott Edwards, Tossed up, full and on middle, Scott Edwards eases it to long on for a single.
Score 123/4
BatsmanScott Edwards 34(25b 3*4 1*6)
BowlerMohammad Nawaz 4-0-38-2
12:10 IST:
14.6: Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, That was a risky sweep from Scott Edwards as Nawaz fired this in the line of the stumps. Scott Edwards shuffles across and sweeps this to fine leg for a single. 11 from the over and Netherlands will be aiming for at least another 50-60 runs in the last five overs. 
12:10 IST:
14.5: Mohammad Nawaz to Zach Lion-Cachet, Darted into the batter, around the leg-stump. Zach Lion-Cachet rocks back and milks this through mid-wicket for one.
12:09 IST:
14.4: Mohammad Nawaz to Zach Lion-Cachet, FOUR! Edged and away for four more. Flatter and quicker, wide of off, Zach Lion-Cachet stands his ground and slashes hard at it. Gets it edge and luckily for the batter, the ball goes straight through the gap between short third and backward point for four runs. 
12:09 IST:
14.3: Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, Full and on the pads, Scott Edwards steps across and sweeps this to deep backward square leg for a single. 
12:08 IST:
14.2: Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, Fired around off, Scott Edwards punches this to extra cover for no run.
12:08 IST:
14.1: Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, FOUR! A bit of width on offer and Scott makes him pay. Quicker one, wide outside off, Scott Edwards hangs deep inside the crease and slashes hard at it. Cuts this past the left of a diving fielder at cover-point and the ball races away to the fence for four.
12:12 IST:
DRINKS! Pakistan have pulled things back a bit in the last few overs, and they will look to build on this now. However, Netherlands will not back down as well, as they have taken the attacking approach right from the start. Despite losing wickets, the batters have tried to play their shots and will look to do more of the same, as anything over 160 on this wicket will be a good score. We are in for some exciting action in the next 6 overs.
Score 112/4
BatsmanScott Edwards 28(21b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerShadab Khan 4-0-26-0
12:05 IST:
13.6: Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Fired into the batter, around middle and off, Scott Edwards tucks this through mid-wicket and settles for a run this time. 
12:09 IST:
Sabyasachi says

T20 World Cup 2026 PAK vs NED: What have you done Shadab!

Shadab Khan, usually one of Pakistan’s safest fielders, has put one down — and it came off his own bowling. He has no one to blame but himself, and it was a costly miss, with Scott Edwards the beneficiary. Had Edwards been on his way back, Pakistan would have been right on top, piling even more pressure on the Netherlands’ batting unit.

12:04 IST:
13.5: Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Floated into the batter, around middle and leg, Scott Edwards milks this gently through mid-wicket for a brace.
12:04 IST:
13.4: Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Quicker one, around off, Scott drives this to the left of Mohammad Nawaz at cover-point and he does well to stop a strike rotation with a dive to his left.
12:03 IST:
13.3: Shadab Khan to Zach Lion-Cachet, Tossed up, around off, Zach Lion-Cachet moves away from the stumps and chips this to long off for one. 
12:03 IST:
13.2: Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Floated around off, Scott Edwards guides this to short third for a run.
12:02 IST:
13.1: Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, DROPPED! Full and on off, Scott Edwards pumps this hard and straight back to the bowler. Shadab Khan stretches out his right hand but fails to hold on to it.
Score 107/4
BatsmanScott Edwards 24(16b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerMohammad Nawaz 3-0-27-2
12:01 IST:
12.6: Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, Quicker one, around the pads, Scott Edwards gets inside the line and tucks this through the backward square leg region for one. 
12:04 IST:
Sabyasachi says

Netherlands Live Score: Pakistan keep chipping away

Pakistan have continued to chip away with timely wickets, but the Netherlands have ensured the scoreboard keeps moving. Scott Edwards remains at the crease, and his role over the final seven overs will be crucial in determining where the Dutch finish at the end of their innings.

12:01 IST:
12.5: Mohammad Nawaz to Zach Lion-Cachet, Darted around the pads, Zach Lion-Cachet flicks this through mid on for a strike rotation. 
12:01 IST:
Just as the partnership was brewing, Pakistan get the breakthrough. Zach Lion-Cachet walks out to bat now.
11:59 IST:
12.4: Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, OUT! CAUGHT​​​​! Nawaz has the last laugh in this over. Under-cutter, around off, Bas de Leede moves away from his stumps and has a go at it. Doesn't get the elevation he was looking for and ends up hitting this straight into the hands of Babar Azam at the long off fence. Bas de Leede departs for 30 off 25 balls. 
11:58 IST:
12.3: Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, FOUR! Another boundary and it is already 11 off this Nawaz over with three balls still to go. Floated around off, Bas de Leede quickly hops deep inside the crease and punches this in the gap to the left of the fielder at sweeper cover for a boundary.
11:57 IST:
12.2: Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, Pushed through around off, Scott Edwards rocks deep inside the crease and cuts this to deep point for a single. 
11:57 IST:
12.1: Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, SIX! The ball is flying! Tossed up, full and on middle. Scott Edwards sits down on one knee and powerfully slog sweeps it well over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. 100 UP FOR NETHERLANDS!
Score 94/3
BatsmanScott Edwards 16(13b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerShadab Khan 3-0-21-0
11:56 IST:
11.6: Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Quicker and flatter on off, Scott Edwards hits this to the long on region for a run. 
11:58 IST:
Sabyasachi says

T20 WC Live Score: Shadab on his mark until now

Shadab Khan has bowled well so far, conceding just 21 runs in his first three overs. He could easily have had a wicket, but Scott Edwards’ miscued shot landed safely in no-man’s land. With one over still up his sleeve, Pakistan would dearly love to see Shadab break the stand by removing either Edwards or Bas de Leede.

11:55 IST:
11.5: Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Pushed through around off, Scott Edwards aims to heave at it but misses out.
11:56 IST:
11.4: Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede, Tossed up, around off, Bas de Leede slogs this to the deep mid-wicket region for a single. 
11:54 IST:
11.3: Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, In the air... safe! Flighted around off, Scott Edwards looks to sit down on a knee and swing at it, gets it edged towards the left of the keeper around square leg. Usman Khan calls for it once again but fails to get close to the ball this time around. Single taken. 
11:55 IST:
11.2: Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Another mishap in the field and the Netherlands convert one into two. Quicker one, wide of off, Scott Edwards gets it away off the inside of his bat towards covers and takes a run. The throw comes in at the non-striker's end and a poor backup gifts an extra run to the Dutch side. 
11:53 IST:
11.1: Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede, Seam up, straight on, on off. Bas de Leede thumps this past the bowler to his right for one.
Score 88/3
BatsmanBas de Leede 24(21b 3*4 0*6)
BowlerMohammad Nawaz 2-0-14-1
11:52 IST:
10.6: Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, Full and wide of off, Bas de Leede goes deep inside the crease and smashes this to sweeper cover for a single. 
11:54 IST:
Sabyasachi says

Pakistan vs Netherlands Live Score: Can Edwards put pressure on Pakistan?

Scott Edwards has been one of the Netherlands’ most reliable batters in the middle order. While Bas de Leede has played his part, Edwards is expected to hold the key if the Dutch are to push beyond the 180-run mark — a target that is certainly within reach on this surface.

11:51 IST:
10.5: Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, Tossed up, full and around leg, Scott Edwards plays the sweep again and on the bounce to deep square leg for one.
11:51 IST:
10.4: Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, FOUR! Excellent shot! Floated delivery, full and on middle and leg. Scott Edwards goes down on one knee and sweeps it hard and flat. There is a fielder at deep square not too far away, but he has no chance of stopping that from going to the boundary.
11:50 IST:
10.3: Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, Drops it short and around off, Bas de Leede backs away and punches it through covers for another run.
11:49 IST:
10.2: Mohammad Nawaz to Scott Edwards, Flatter, full and on the pads, Scott Edwards goes down and swipes it to deep square leg for a run.
11:49 IST:
10.1: Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, Flighted, full and around off, Bas de Leede reaches out and drives it to sweeper cover for a single.
Score 79/3
BatsmanBas de Leede 21(18b 3*4 0*6)
BowlerAbrar Ahmed 2-0-14-1
11:48 IST:
9.6: Abrar Ahmed to Bas de Leede, Another short delivery, on middle, Bas de Leede stays back and works it through mid-wicket for on more.
11:49 IST:
Sabyasachi says

T20 World Cup 2026 PAK vs NED: Did you watch the Babar-Shaheen catch?

Relive it here — watch it again and again, and it won’t disappoint.

 

11:47 IST:
9.5: Abrar Ahmed to Bas de Leede, Quicker delivery, fuller and outside off, but just inside the guideline. Bas de Leede leaves it alone.
11:47 IST:
9.4: Abrar Ahmed to Bas de Leede, FOUR! Up and over! Abrar Ahmed sticks to the shorter length, but just around off. Bas de Leede rocks back, extends his arms and slaps it aerailly but well over extra cover for a boundary.
11:46 IST:
9.3: Abrar Ahmed to Scott Edwards, Goes short and on middle, Scott Edwards punches it to long on for a run.
11:46 IST:
9.2: Abrar Ahmed to Scott Edwards, Tossed up, full and on middle, Scott Edwards knocks it down the pitch.
11:46 IST:
9.1: Abrar Ahmed to Bas de Leede, Flatter, shortish and on middle, Bas de Leede heaves it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Score 72/3
BatsmanBas de Leede 15(14b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerShadab Khan 2-0-15-0
11:45 IST:
8.6: Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede, Tossed up, around off, Bas de Leede drives this through covers for a run. 
11:51 IST:
8.5: Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Full and on off, Scott plays the reverse sweep and hits this to Mirza at short third who fumbles again and allows a single more.
11:45 IST:
8.4: Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Pushed through on off, Scott Edwards punches this bck to the bowler. 
11:44 IST:
8.3: Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, FOUR! A misfield from Salman Mirza at short third and what should have been a risky single turns into a boundary for the Netherlands. Full and around off, Scott Edwards pushes at it with hard hands, gets it edged to short third. Salman Mirza runs in aggressively and takes his eyes off before picking the ball and it rolls past him for a boundary towards the third man region. 
11:43 IST:
8.2: Shadab Khan to Scott Edwards, Full and on off, Scott Edwards punches this back to the bowler. 
11:43 IST:
8.1: Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede, Flighted on off, Bas de Leede drives this to sweeper cover for a single. 
11:42 IST:
Outwalks the skipper of Netherlands, Scott Edwards to replace Colin Ackermann. 
Score 65/3
BatsmanColin Ackermann 20(14b 4*4 0*6)
BowlerAbrar Ahmed 1-0-7-1
11:42 IST:
7.6: Abrar Ahmed to Colin Ackermann, OUT! BOWLED 'EM! Abrar Ahmed strikes in his first over. He pushes this through quicker, short and on middle and off. Colin Ackermann neither goes forward nor on the back foot and just tries to play a lazy flick shot. He ends up getting an inside edge back onto the stumps. He is very disappointed with himself, but has to walk back for 20 off 14. The Netherlands are three down now.
11:45 IST:
Sabyasachi says

PAK vs NED Match: Abrar opens his World Cup account

Abrar Ahmed was outstanding in his opening over. Playing his maiden T20 World Cup, he was right on the money with his line and length, completely outfoxing Colin Ackermann, who had no answer to the carrom ball.

The Netherlands now need a substantial partnership — starts alone won’t be enough if they keep throwing wickets away.

11:41 IST:
7.5: Abrar Ahmed to Colin Ackermann, FOUR! Nicely done! Abrar Ahmed follows the batter, bowls this quick and short, on leg. Colin Ackermann picks it up nicely and slogs it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.
11:40 IST:
7.4: Abrar Ahmed to Colin Ackermann, A big shout for LBW, but turned down! Flatter, shortish and on middle and off, Colin Ackermann stays back to play it but misses and gets hit on the pads. Probably going over the stumps.
11:40 IST:
7.3: Abrar Ahmed to Bas de Leede, Tossed up, full and on middle, Bas de Leede uses his feet and drills it to long on for another run.
11:39 IST:
7.2: Abrar Ahmed to Colin Ackermann, Slower through the air, full and on middle, turns away a bit. Colin Ackermann looks to work it across the line but gets squared up. It goes off the leading edge towards point for a run.
11:39 IST:
7.1: Abrar Ahmed to Bas de Leede, Floated, short and on middle, turns in, Bas de Leede stays back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.
Score 58/2
BatsmanColin Ackermann 15(10b 3*4 0*6)
BowlerShadab Khan 1-0-8-0
11:38 IST:
6.6: Shadab Khan to Colin Ackermann, FOUR! Fine shot! Flighted, full and on middle. Colin Ackermann goes down on one knee and nails the slog sweep between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
11:40 IST:
Sabyasachi says

PAK vs NED Live: Ackermann, De Leede go steady

After the Netherlands lost the quick wickets of Max O’Dowd and Michael Levitt, Bas de Leede and Colin Ackermann have rebuilt with a solid partnership. Scoring at over eight an over, the Dutch are keeping the momentum alive as they move towards the halfway stage of the innings.

11:37 IST:
6.5: Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede, Dragged back and on off, Bas de Leede stabs it out to extra cover for one more.
11:37 IST:
6.4: Shadab Khan to Colin Ackermann, Short again and around off, Colin Ackermann punches it to long off fora run.
11:36 IST:
6.3: Shadab Khan to Colin Ackermann, Short and outside off, Colin Ackermann cuts it away to point.
11:36 IST:
6.2: Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede, Floated, full and on off, Bas de Leede drills it hard and wide of short cover, where Salman Mirza gets a good left hand on it to make the half-stop. They cross.
11:36 IST:
6.1: Shadab Khan to Colin Ackermann, Tossed up, full and on off, Colin Ackermann drives it towards long off for a single.
11:43 IST:
End of the Powerplay - As the players head for a drinks break at the conclusion of the Powerplay, the Netherlands find themselves in a position of quiet confidence despite sitting two wickets down. Their primary objective, asserting early dominance, has largely been achieved through Michael Levitt’s fearless aggression, which saw the Dutch take full advantage of the hard deck to punish the Pakistani pace battery. However, the game’s narrative is poised for a significant shift as the fielding restrictions ease. The real trial for this batting unit begins now as Pakistan prepares to unleash its spin trio, with Abrar Ahmed’s mystery, Saim Ayub’s handy off-spin, and Shadab Khan's leg-breaks yet to be introduced. The Netherlands must successfully transition from high-risk hitting to calculated accumulation to ensure they capitalize on their flying start.
Score 50/2
BatsmanBas de Leede 9(8b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerSalman Mirza 3-0-21-1
11:33 IST:
5.6: Salman Mirza to Bas de Leede, FOUR! Excellent end to the Powerplay! Short of a length and outside off. Bas de Leede gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point for a boundary. Netherlands are 50/2 after 6 overs!
11:36 IST:
Sabyasachi says

PAK vs NED Match: Even Stevens after powerplay

Both the Netherlands and Pakistan would feel the powerplay was evenly shared. Michael Levitt provided a flying start, but timely strikes from Salman Mirza and Mohammad Nawaz pulled things back for Pakistan.

Pakistan’s catching has been top-notch as well. The responsibility now rests on Colin Ackermann and Bas de Leede to steady the ship for the Dutch, while for Pakistan, all eyes will be on Shadab Khan and how he builds on his impressive recent comeback.

11:32 IST:
5.5: Salman Mirza to Colin Ackermann, Fuller delivery, on off, Colin Ackermann goes down across to swipe it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads to the leg side. The batters cross for a leg bye.
11:31 IST:
5.4: Salman Mirza to Colin Ackermann, Swing and a miss! Back of a length and around off, angling away from the batter. Colin Ackermann looks to heave it across the line but fails to connect.
11:31 IST:
5.4: Salman Mirza to Colin Ackermann, WIDE! Bangs in a bouncer but down the leg side, Colin Ackermann lets it go to the keeper. Called a wide.
11:30 IST:
5.3: Salman Mirza to Colin Ackermann, FOUR! Wow..that is a top shot! Salman Mirza goes a bit too full and on off. Colin Ackermann gets onto it quickly, shows the face of the bat and drills it away to the long off fence for another boundary.
11:29 IST:
5.2: Salman Mirza to Colin Ackermann, Touch fuller and around off, Colin Ackermann pushes it towards extra cover.
11:28 IST:
5.1: Salman Mirza to Colin Ackermann, FOUR! Lovely shot! Short of a length and on middle and leg, not short enough to trouble the batter. Colin Ackermann backs away and swats it to the left of mid on for a boundary.
Score 36/2
BatsmanBas de Leede 5(7b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerMohammad Nawaz 1-0-5-1
11:27 IST:
4.6: Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, Pushed through from Nawaz, on off. Bas de Leede punches this to extra cover. 
11:30 IST:
Sabyasachi says

Pakistan vs Netherlands T20 World Cup: Babar, Shaheen show teamwork

That was a superb piece of fielding involving Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam. Babar showed great presence of mind, staying aware of his position and relaying the ball to Shaheen, who deserves credit for backing him perfectly.

Pakistan know sharp fielding is crucial if they are to rein in the Netherlands, and they are delivering on that front. They will also be relieved to have seen the back of Michael Levitt, who was threatening to take the game away from them.

11:27 IST:
4.5: Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, FOUR! Now that's a top-quality stroke from Bas de Leede. Tossed up, around middle and off, Bas de Leede jumps to the pitch of the ball and smashes this straight past the bowler for a boundary in front of the sight screen. 
11:26 IST:
4.4: Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede, Pushed through on off, Bas de Leede fails to beat cover-point.
11:26 IST:
4.3: Mohammad Nawaz to Colin Ackermann, Full and on the pads, Colin Ackermann flicks this through square leg for a single. 
11:26 IST:
Both the Dutch openers are gone now. That brings Colin Ackermann out to the middle now.
11:29 IST:
4.2: Mohammad Nawaz to Michael Levitt, OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent rally take between Babar and Shaheen Afridi gets rid of a dangerous-looking Michael Levitt. Top-spinner, around off, Michael Levitt gives himself a bit of room by backing away to his leg. Swings at it but fails to get right underneath it. The ball was still going to the fence down the ground. Babar Azam moves to his left from long off and gathers this with the momentum, taking him over the fence. Babar was smart enough to release the ball just in time and pick Shaheen Afridi, who was covering him from long on. Shaheen Afridi ends up pouching this at the end. This is checked for a fair catch and just after one look, the third umpire decides that it is a clean catch and Michael Levitt departs. 
11:26 IST:
Is that a clean catch? If it is, then Babar Azam has done an amazing job here at the ropes. The replay shows that he has flicked the ball to Shaheen Afridi just in time before going over the ropes, and it is OUT.
11:23 IST:
4.1: Mohammad Nawaz to Michael Levitt, Tossed up, in the line of the stumps. Michael Levitt was thinking about a wild swing at it but ends up pushing this to covers.
Score 31/1
BatsmanBas de Leede 1(4b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerSalman Mirza 2-0-8-1
11:22 IST:
3.6: Salman Mirza to Bas de Leede, Salman Mirza comes around the stumps for the final ball of the over and darts in a wide yorker. Bas looks to block this one but misses out.
11:23 IST:
Sabyasachi says

T20 WC Live Score: Badly-needed over for Pakistan

Pakistan needed that over badly. Just as the Netherlands were beginning to tee off, Salman Mirza delivered the breakthrough by removing Max O’Dowd. A proven run-getter for the Dutch over the years, O’Dowd could have inflicted serious damage had he stayed at the crease longer.

11:24 IST:
It won't be long before Pakistan intorduce spin here to change the pace of the game.
11:21 IST:
3.6: Salman Mirza to Bas de Leede, WIDE! Slower one, short and on off. Bas de Leede bails out of the stroke as he feels that this is a bit too high and the umpire acknowledges it with a signal of wide. 
11:20 IST:
3.5: Salman Mirza to Michael Levitt, Full and around off this time from Mirza. Michael Levitt pushes this towards mid off and takes a run.
11:19 IST:
3.4: Salman Mirza to Bas de Leede, Good length on the pads, Bas de Leede tucks this in front of Shaheen Afridi at mid on and takes one. Shaheen Afridi does hit the stumps with a direct hit towards the non-striker's end but the batter was safely in. 
11:18 IST:
3.3: Salman Mirza to Bas de Leede, Low full toss, around middle and off, Bas de Leede rolls this back to the bowler.
11:18 IST:
3.2: Salman Mirza to Bas de Leede, Hard length, on top of middle and off. Bas de Leede blocks this out.
11:18 IST:
First one down for Netherlands. Bas de Leede walks out to bat at number 3.
11:18 IST:
3.1: Salman Mirza to Max O'Dowd, OUT! CAUGHT! Slower cutter, short of a length, going across the batter, around his off-stump. Max O'Dowd looks to pull this over the deep mid-wicket region but gets it miscued off the cue end of his bat as the ball gets big on him. The ball hangs around square leg and Usman Khan, from behind the stumps, calls for it loud and clear. Khan makes good ground, judges this well and holds onto it. Max O'Dowd departs for 5 off 7.
Score 28/0
BatsmanMax O'Dowd 5(6b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerShaheen Afridi 2-0-23-0
11:15 IST:
2.6: Shaheen Afridi to Max O'Dowd, A touch fuller, on middle and leg, Max O'Dowd gently rolls this in front of Babar Azam at mid on and takes a quick one. Babar was pushed to the end of the circle because of the way Levitt has smashed the white leather. 
11:20 IST:
Sabyasachi says

Pakistan vs Netherlands Live Score: Shaheen under pressure

Shaheen Shah Afridi has looked completely off his rhythm so far, with Michael Levitt giving him no room to settle. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Pakistan consider taking him out of the attack for now. Pakistan will need an in-form Shaheen firing if they are to go deep in this tournament.

 

11:14 IST:
2.5: Shaheen Afridi to Max O'Dowd, Hard length, on middle and off, Max O'Dowd plays this late and guides this to short third. 
11:14 IST:
2.4: Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, Back of a length around middle and leg, Michael Levitt dabs this off his back foot and steals a run. 
11:14 IST:
The umpires are having a look at the ball. The ball landed on the road outside the ground, and it has damaged it a bit. Now, the briefcase comes out, and the replacement has been chosen. 
11:11 IST:
2.3: Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, SIX! Shaheen has been pumped out of the park. Short and on middle and off, Michael Levitt picks the length early, rocks deep inside the crease and gives it a full monty. Pulls this right out of the middle of his bat and smashes this out of the park towards the deep square leg region. 
11:11 IST:
2.2: Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, Pitched up, around the pads, Michael Levitt flicks this to the left of the fielder at deep square leg for a brace this time. 
11:10 IST:
2.1: Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, FOUR! Well, Levitt has decided not to let the Pakistani pacers settle. Third over of the game and every over has started with a boundary. Good length on middle and off, Michael Levitt gives himself a bit of room by shuffling to his leg and pulls this over the mid-wicket region for a boundary. 
Score 14/0
BatsmanMax O'Dowd 4(4b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerSalman Mirza 1-0-5-0
11:09 IST:
1.6: Salman Mirza to Max O'Dowd, Cutter, going across the batter, Max O'Dowd gives it a good look and decides not to poke at it as the ball keeps low as well.
11:12 IST:
Sabyasachi says

PAK vs NED Live: Levitt, O'Dowd make steady start

Michael Levitt and Max O’Dowd have not allowed the Pakistan bowlers to settle so far, setting the tone with positive intent at the top. Levitt, in particular, has looked in fine touch, and with very little swing on offer, the Dutch openers are beginning to up the ante.

11:08 IST:
1.5: Salman Mirza to Max O'Dowd, Inswinging fuller one, around off, Max O'Dowd bumps this onto his shoe and in the empty pocket to silly mid off for a dot. 
11:07 IST:
1.4: Salman Mirza to Michael Levitt, Mirza goes full with a slower one, around off. Michael Levitt swings at it. Gets it edged towards the deep third region, where Faheem Ashraf fields this and keeps it down to one. 
11:07 IST:
1.3: Salman Mirza to Michael Levitt, Good length, going across the batter, Michael Levitt stands and swings at it. The ball shapes away from Levitt and he is beaten.
11:06 IST:
1.2: Salman Mirza to Michael Levitt, Salman Mirza drags his length back, bowls it short and on middle and off. Michael Levitt gets up on his toes and punts this to point.
11:05 IST:
1.1: Salman Mirza to Michael Levitt, FOUR! WOW! Just sit and admire this cracker from Michael Levitt. Good length, around off, shaping away from the batter. Michael Levitt rides the bounce and smashes this past the right of the fielder at extra cover for a boundary to greet Mirza into the attack. 
12:12 IST:
Interesting Stat - Ramiz Raza, on air, mentions that the entire Netherlands squad for this World Cup bats right-handed, no lefties whatsoever. Also, Salman Mirza will share the attack.
Score 9/0
BatsmanMax O'Dowd 4(2b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerShaheen Afridi 1-0-9-0
11:04 IST:
0.6: Shaheen Afridi to Max O'Dowd, Beauty from Afridi. Around that nagging length, on middle and off, shaping away from the right-hander. Max O'Dowd rocks back and looks to block this off his back foot but gets beaten on the outside. 
11:07 IST:
Sabyasachi says

PAK vs NED: Very little swing for Shaheen

Shaheen Shah Afridi found very little swing in the opening over as Pakistan went in search of an early breakthrough on a green surface — surprising, given the visible grass on the pitch. Barring the fifth delivery, which he sprayed down the leg side, he was largely on the money. Nevertheless, the Netherlands would be pleased to have collected nine runs from the first over.

11:03 IST:
0.5: Shaheen Afridi to Max O'Dowd, FOUR! Just like Levitt, even Max O'Dowd is up and running with a boundary. Good length around middle and leg, Max O'Dowd stands still and flicks this through the fine leg region for a boundary to get off the mark. 
11:02 IST:
0.4: Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, Hard length on off, Michael punches this to backward points left for a single. 
11:02 IST:
0.3: Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, Now that's more like Shaheen Afridi. Back of a length, around middle and off, going across the batter. Michael Levitt stays leg side to it and pokes at it away from his body but gets beaten.
11:01 IST:
0.2: Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, Much better from Shaheen Afridi as he attacks the stumps with a length delivery on off, Michael Levitt punches this to covers.
11:03 IST:
0.1: Shaheen Afridi to Michael Levitt, FOUR! What a way to kickstart the T20 World Cup. Full and swinging down the leg, Michael Levitt steps out of the crease and flicks this through the left of the fielder at short fine leg for a boundary to get the game and tournament underway. 
11:02 IST:
It's now time for the curtain-raiser! The weather is a bit overcast, which could play a big role in this game. We can see the Pakistan players in a huddle before they spread out to take the field. Michael Levitt and Max O'Dowd are the two openers for Netherlands. As expected, it is Shaheen Afridi who has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. One slip in place Let's play...
10:55 IST:
We are moments away from the start of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, and the flags of both nations are unfurled as the stage is set. The players from both sides now walk out to the middle for their respective national anthems. It will be the Netherlands first, followed by that of Pakistan.
10:52 IST:
PITCH REPORT - SSC pitch presents a fascinating dynamic for this opener, characterized by an uncharacteristic green tinge that has captured the attention of both camps. While the straight boundary from the South End stands at a daunting 82 metres, the shorter square and fine-leg boundaries offer plenty of scoring opportunities for those brave enough to take them on. The surface itself is remarkably hard and carries more grass than typically seen in Colombo, promising the kind of consistent pace and bounce that makes this one of the premier batting strips in Sri Lanka. Any early morning moisture has long since evaporated, yet the live grass suggests the seamers will find enough nibble with the new ball to keep the top order honest during the Powerplay.
10:44 IST:
The captain of Netherlands - Scott Edwards says that it is a good-looking wicket but they would have bowled first as well. Adds that he won't call it a must-win game, but it is a big one for them as you need to win at least 3 out of 4 games to qualify. Mentions that they have been in India and Sri Lanka for over a month and are used to the conditions now. Ends by saying that they have plenty of all-rounders and good options in both bowling and batting.
10:44 IST:
The skipper of Pakistan - Salman Agha noted his surprise at the conditions, admitting he had rarely seen such a significant covering of grass on a Sri Lankan pitch, which, combined with the intermittent rain forecast, made the prospect of early movement too tempting to ignore. While he offered a respectful nod to the Netherlands' dangerous lineup, the skipper made it clear that his focus remains inward, prioritising his squad's execution of their new aggressive approach as they look to kick off their World Cup campaign with authority.
10:39 IST:
Netherlands (Playing XI) - Max O'Dowd, Michael Levitt, Bas de Leede, Scott Edwards (C/WK), Colin Ackermann, Zach Lion-Cachet, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren.
10:39 IST:
Pakistan (Playing XI) - Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.
10:34 IST:
TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Salman Agha and Pakistan elect to BOWL first.
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