T20 World Cup: Netherlands score 94-3 in 12 overs against Pakistan

The Netherlands scored 94-3 in 12 overs against Pakistan in the opening match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo on Saturday.

After winning the toss, Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha asked the Dutch side to bat first. The Netherlands got off to a positive start, with opener Michael Levitt smashing a four off the very first delivery of the match.

The Dutch continued to score briskly, putting up 28 runs in the first three overs without losing a wicket.

Pakistan got a much-needed breakthrough when Salman Mirza dismissed opener Max O'Dowd (5), who attempted a pull shot but ended up as the first scalp of the tournament.

Levitt (24), who looked dangerous at the crease, was then dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz after a brilliant reflex catch by Babar Azam, with Shaheen Afridi completing the catch near the boundary.

Abrar Ahmed picked up a wicket in his first over, removing Colin Ackermann, who scored 20 runs.

At the end of 12 overs, the Netherlands were 94-3.

Pakistan and the Netherlands have faced off twice in the past, with the Men in Green emerging victorious on both occasions, while the Flying Dutchmen remain without a win.

Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside India, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. The Green Shirts boycotted their match against arch-rivals India and are now set to face the USA and Namibia on February 10 and 18 at the same venue.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha(c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan(wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.

Netherlands: Michael Levitt, Max ODowd, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards(c/wk), Zach Lion Cachet, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren.

This is a developing story and is being updated with further details.