In the ICC T20 World Cup opener, Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the Netherlands, limiting them to 147/10 in 19.5 overs at Sinhalese Sports Club. Despite a strong start by Michael Levitt and Max O’Dowd, Salman Mirza’s three-wicket haul, supported by Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Saim Ayub, halted the Netherlands’ momentum.
Salman Mirza’s dismissal of Max O’Dowd for just five disrupted the Netherlands’ partnership after a quick start. Utilizing spin early, skipper Salman Ali Agha’s strategic move with Mohammad Nawaz paid off as Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi combined for a crucial catch to dismiss Michael Levitt.
Scott Edwards and Bas de Leede tried to stabilize the innings, but wickets fell rapidly towards the end. Despite contributions from Edwards and de Leede, the lower order collapsed, and the Netherlands were eventually all out for 147 in 19.5 overs.
