Pakistan Snatches Victory from Netherlands After Dropped Catch; 19th Over Changes the Game

New Delhi/Colombo: Pakistan pulled off a thrilling three-wicket win against the Netherlands in their opening T20 World Cup 2026 match, in a game that seemed all but lost. A single mistake by the Dutch team turned the match on its head, allowing Pakistan to stage a dramatic comeback, highlighted by Faheem Ashraf’s destructive hitting.

The Catch That Cost the Netherlands the Game
At one point, Pakistan looked destined for defeat. But in the 19th over, Max O’Dodd dropped a catch that would prove decisive. Faheem Ashraf attempted a big shot off Logan van Beek’s slow full-toss, sending the ball high toward long-on. O’Dodd got both hands under it but failed to hold on. That dropped catch effectively handed Pakistan a lifeline and shattered the Netherlands’ chances of victory.

Faheem Ashraf Turns the Tide
With 29 runs required from the final 12 balls, the Netherlands were on the verge of staging a remarkable turnaround. However, Ashraf’s blistering assault in the same 19th over completely shifted momentum. He scored 24 runs off six balls, smashing towering sixes off the first, third, and fifth deliveries, and a boundary on the final ball. The over snatched victory from the jaws of the Dutch team and put Pakistan firmly in control.

Final Over Drama Seals the Win
After the explosive 19th over, Pakistan needed just five runs from six balls. Shahin Afridi displayed smart judgment by taking a single on the first delivery and keeping the strike with Ashraf, who then finished the job with a clean boundary. Pakistan sealed a memorable win in their very first tournament match, despite being 114/7 at one stage.

A Miracle Victory for Pakistan
Throughout the match, the Netherlands had dominated and kept Pakistan under constant pressure. Yet, the dropped catch and poor execution in the 19th over reversed their fortunes. Faheem Ashraf’s fearless innings not only secured two crucial points but also provided Pakistan with much-needed confidence for the rest of the tournament. What seemed like an inevitable defeat turned into a miraculous triumph.