Women's T20 WC: Fatima, Ayesha claim three-fors in Pakistan's 37-run win over Netherlands
Synopsis
Pakistan ended their 2026 Women's T20 World Cup group stage with a commanding 37-run win over a debutant Netherlands side at Bristol. Fatima Sana's triple-wicket maiden and Ayesha Zafar's three-for dismantled the Dutch chase for 89, with Gull Feroza's unbeaten 63 having set the platform. Pakistan finish fifth in Group A.
Key Takeaways
Pakistan defeated Netherlands by 37 runs at the County Ground, Bristol on 27 June 2026 .
Fatima Sana took 3 for 12 with a triple-wicket maiden; Ayesha Zafar returned 3 for 13 .
Netherlands were bowled out for 89 in 18 overs , falling 37 runs short of Pakistan's 126 for 6 .
Gull Feroza top-scored with an unbeaten 63 for Pakistan; Babette de Leede made 30 for the Netherlands.
Pakistan finish fifth in Group A ; the Netherlands were playing their first-ever Women's T20 World Cup .
Pakistan wrapped up their 2026 Women's T20 World Cup group stage on a commanding note, defeating Netherlands by 37 runs at the County Ground, Bristol on 27 June. Fatima Sana delivered a match-defining triple-wicket maiden, finishing with figures of 3-12, while Ayesha Zafar complemented her with 3-13 as the Netherlands were bowled out for 89 in 18 overs.
Pakistan's Batting Platform
Gull Feroza anchored Pakistan's innings with an unbeaten 63, while Ayesha Zafar chipped in with 32 to help the side post 126 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Iris Zwilling was the pick of the Dutch bowlers, claiming 2 for 19, with Silver Siegers adding 1 for 17.
Netherlands' Bright Start Fades
The Netherlands' chase began promisingly, with Heather Siegers striking five boundaries off Sadia Iqbal, Fatima Sana, and Diana Baig to race to 24 off 16 balls. The momentum, however, was cut short when Diana Baig trapped Siegers lbw in the fourth over with a slower delivery, a decision upheld by the DRS.
Phebe Molkenboer followed shortly, run out for 8 by a sharp direct hit from Eyman Fatima at short fine leg. Sterre Kalis attempted to rebuild alongside Babette de Leede, but the spin of Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan strangled the scoring rate before Kalis chopped on to her stumps off Nashra for 12.
Ayesha Zafar Seals the Chase
Babette de Leede (30) and Robine Rijke tried to revive Dutch hopes through rotating strike and occasional boundaries, twice off part-timer Ayesha Zafar. But Ayesha struck decisively — trapping Rijke lbw, having Sanya Khurana stumped for a three-ball duck, and dismissing Frederique Overdijk caught at cover for 6.
A bizarre runout then ended Iris Zwilling's innings — de Leede's straight drive ricocheted off the non-striker, leaving Zwilling stranded, with Ayesha collecting to run her out. Fatima Sana then removed Babette de Leede, Silver Siegers, and Caroline de Lange in her triple-wicket maiden to seal the match.
Tournament Finish and Context
The victory sees Pakistan finish fifth in Group A of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup. For the Netherlands — playing their first-ever Women's T20 World Cup — the tournament has been a learning experience. Despite the defeat, contributions from de Leede and Heather Siegers demonstrated the side's competitive spirit on the global stage. Pakistan, meanwhile, sign off with a morale-boosting result that will shape their preparations heading into the next cycle.
Point of View
And de Leede's lone hand underscored their potential. For Pakistan, however, finishing fifth in Group A after a mixed campaign is a reality check: a morale-boosting final-game win is not the same as a tournament-defining performance. The real question is whether the Fatima-Ayesha spin combination can replicate this consistency against top-order batting from stronger sides in future cycles.
NationPress
27 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Pakistan vs Netherlands in the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup?
Pakistan defeated Netherlands by 37 runs at the County Ground, Bristol on 27 June 2026. Pakistan posted 126 for 6, then bowled the Netherlands out for 89 in 18 overs.
How did Fatima Sana perform against Netherlands?
Fatima Sana took 3 wickets for 12 runs, including a triple-wicket maiden, to be one of Pakistan's standout performers. She dismissed Babette de Leede, Silver Siegers, and Caroline de Lange in that spell to seal the win.
What were Ayesha Zafar's bowling figures in the match?
Ayesha Zafar finished with 3 for 13, removing Robine Rijke lbw, having Sanya Khurana stumped for a duck, and dismissing Frederique Overdijk caught at cover.
Where did Pakistan finish in Group A of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup?
Pakistan finished fifth in Group A following the win over Netherlands. The victory gave them a winning note to close their 2026 Women's T20 World Cup campaign.
Was this the Netherlands' first Women's T20 World Cup appearance?
Yes, the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup was the Netherlands' first-ever appearance at the tournament. Despite the 37-run defeat, contributions from Babette de Leede (30) and Heather Siegers (24) highlighted their competitive spirit.
