Colombo, Feb 7 (NationPress) Pakistan kicked off their T20 World Cup journey with a thrilling three-wicket triumph over the Netherlands, narrowly escaping a potential upset thanks to an impressive late-game performance by Faheem Ashraf. He asserted that the team's knack for keeping their nerves steady played a crucial role in securing the win.

What began as a manageable target turned into a tense conclusion, with Pakistan requiring an extraordinary 29 runs in the final two overs. The No. 8 batsman delivered brilliantly, finishing with an unbeaten 29 runs off just 11 balls.

The chase commenced smoothly, as Pakistan reached 61/2 during the powerplay and appeared to be on course by the halfway mark. However, the match took a sharp turn when Paul van Meekeren delivered a double-wicket maiden, triggering a swift collapse as Pakistan lost wickets in quick succession. The precise bowling from the Dutch team restricted the scoring rate and put the favorites under immense strain, as the Netherlands briefly looked poised for a remarkable upset.

This threat lingered until a missed catch became costly. After losing his wicket early in his innings, Faheem capitalized on the opportunity, swinging the momentum back in Pakistan’s favor with a barrage of boundaries that ensured a narrow escape.

Named player of the match, Faheem reflected on the high-pressure finale and the serene mindset that guided his innings. “We’ve been playing consistent cricket for the past year. Whatever role is assigned, we strive to fulfill it effectively. The heartbeat was quick; this isn’t a new experience for us. It’s about going out there and executing what we know,” he stated during the post-match presentation.

He elaborated on how clarity and composure shaped their approach in the closing overs, saying, “With my batting partners, the focus was on not losing our wicket. We aimed to take it one over at a time. If we could secure 1 or 2 boundaries, we would draw closer. Thankfully, that’s exactly how it unfolded.”

Faheem also acknowledged a stroke of luck in the penultimate over that changed the match's trajectory. Despite the turmoil following Pakistan's middle-order collapse, he emphasized the significance of maintaining composure under pressure.

“When the ball was in the air, I prayed for it to be dropped. We wanted to finish swiftly, but sometimes teams falter. In those moments, keeping our nerves intact is key. If you observe our team, even during poor performances, we manage to keep our nerves steady, which often leads to favorable outcomes,” he remarked.

For Pakistan, this victory brought early points but also a stern reminder. While their bowling and fielding provided a solid base, it was Faheem’s late heroics that ultimately saved them from a shocking opening-match defeat.

Earlier in the match, the Netherlands were bowled out for 147, a score that appeared modest after a strong start. Scott Edwards was the highest scorer with 37 runs, but no other batsman remained long at the crease, as Pakistan’s bowlers consistently took wickets. Abrar Ahmed made pivotal breakthroughs, and late wickets from Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza prevented the Netherlands from accelerating in the final overs. Throughout the innings, sharp fielding bolstered Pakistan’s bowling performance.