All-rounder Faheem Ashraf emerged as Pakistan’s savior in a dramatic T20 World Cup 2026 opener, earning the Player of the Match award for his explosive match-winning knock against the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Ashraf produced an unbeaten 29 off just 11 balls to guide Pakistan to a thrilling three-wicket victory after the team had collapsed from a comfortable position. Pakistan slipped from 98 for 2 to 115 for 7 between the 12th and 19th overs, leaving them on the brink of an embarrassing upset.
Needing 34 runs from the final two overs, Ashraf launched a stunning assault on Logan van Beek in the 19th over, smashing three sixes and a four to score 24 runs in a single over. Fortune favored Pakistan when Max O’Dowd dropped Ashraf on 7 off the second ball of the over, a costly miss that turned the match.
In his post-match interview as Player of the Match, Ashraf reflected: “Heart rates go up and down, it’s happened so many times before, we’re used to it. Shaheen and I were talking about saving wickets, knew we could take down whatever in one over. Our efforts is to finish games as early as possible. But you have to hold your nerves in these situations”.
Pakistan eventually reached 148 for 7 in 19.3 overs, securing victory with three balls to spare. Earlier, Pakistan had bowled out the Netherlands for 147, with Salman Mirza taking 3 for 24.
The victory gives Pakistan a crucial start to their campaign after they forfeited their match against India, making every point vital for Super 8 qualification.
