PAKISTAN were coasting towards victory in their Twenty20 World Cup opener but then came the spectre of the all-too-familiar collapse.

From 98-2 in their chase of 148 to win against the Netherlands, Salman Ali Agha’s men slipped to 114-7. Questions had been raised about Pakistan’s brittle middle order and they rang true in Colombo.

Pakistan were staring at defeat, only for Faheem Ashraf to rescue them with a six-hitting blitz; ultimately seeing them over the line with three balls to spare. The first points are on the board but the victory will feel like a missed chance for Pakistan to give their net run rate a boost. Pakistan have already stated they will forfeit their fixture against India next week, and while back-channel talks continue between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council, a quicker chase might have given them an advantage if it goes down to the net run rate to decide which teams advance from the group.

Luckily, Pakistan have started off with a win which will boost confidence ahead of their next game against the US — which had defeated Pakistan at the last edition of the World Cup.

It is a chance to avenge that hurt from two years ago but Pakistan need to address some lingering concerns. While the spinners came to the fore once again to restrict the Dutch, Pakistan must work on their batting. As skipper Salman said, there is a need to absorb pressure better and kill off games more efficiently; especially in matches against lower-ranked opposition — they play Namibia in their last group game. Once Sahibzada Farhan fell against the Netherlands, the middle order of Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz failed to apply themselves, leaving Pakistan in a perilous position. Faheem, though, held his nerve and it is hoped that the rest of the batting line will learn from his example.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2026