Pakistan survive Netherlands scare, win T20 World Cup thriller by 3 wickets in Colombo

• Pakistan secured a thrilling 3-wicket victory over the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup 2026 opener in Colombo.
• Faheem Ashraf emerged as the hero, scoring 29 not out off 11 balls, including 24 runs in the penultimate over.
• Ashraf was dropped on 7, a crucial error that cost the Netherlands dearly.
• Pakistan chased down the 148-run target with three balls to spare after a middle-order collapse.
• Netherlands were bowled out for 147, with Salman Mirza taking three wickets for Pakistan.