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Pakistan vs Netherlands (Source:X)
Finally, the wait is over, and it's time for the much-awaited ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. In the first match of the global tournament, Pakistan will face the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on February 7, 2026.
The other two matches in the day are West Indies vs Scotland at Eden Gardens, Kolkata and the big one between defending champions India and the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Kolkata.
PAK vs NED: Match Preview
Pakistan will head into this contest under pressure, knowing they cannot afford to drop any points if they hope to reach the Super 8s stage of the tournament.
The stakes are especially high for the Men in Green due to the uncertainty surrounding their scheduled match against India on February 15, which they are unlikely to play following a government order. As a result, every remaining match becomes crucial for Pakistan’s qualification hopes.
Despite the pressure, Pakistan will take confidence from their recent form. The team has looked sharp in the shortest format and will come into the tournament after a dominant 3-0 T20I series victory over Australia on home soil.
On the other hand, the Netherlands will enter the contest as clear underdogs. However, the Dutch side will see this match as an opportunity rather than a burden.
With little pressure on their shoulders, they will be hoping to cause an early upset and make a strong statement in the tournament.
PAK vs NED Match 1: Toss update
TOSS UPDATE: Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first.
PAK vs NED Match 1: Playing XIs
Netherlands Playing XI : Max O'Dowd, Michael Levitt, Bas de Leede, Scott Edwards (c), Colin Ackermann, Zach Lion Cachet, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren
Pakistan Playing XI : Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed
PAK vs NED Match 1: Captains Thoughts
Salman Agha (Pakistan Captain): “We’re going to bowl first. It looks like a fresh pitch and there’s been a bit of rain around over the last few days, so we want to see if there’s any moisture early on and try to make the most of it.
(On the pitch and conditions) There’s a lot more grass than what we saw in our last series against Australia, where it was a bit patchy at times. Because of that, the line and length could be slightly different today. It’s probably the first time I’ve seen this much grass on a surface like this.
(On team balance and bowling options) But we’ve got a team that can handle all conditions. If it turns out to be a spinning track, we’re well covered. And if the fast bowlers are in the game, they can do the job as well. We’re going with three pacers, and we also have plenty of all-round options in the spin department.
(Onthe Netherlands as opponents) They’re a very good side, and they’ve been playing good cricket. For us, it’s about focusing on our strengths and executing our plans for 40 overs. If we do that well, we believe we’re a good enough team to beat any side.”
Scott Edwards (Netherlands Captain): "Yeah, absolutely! It looks like a good wicket. We would have bowled first as well, but we are happy to bat first.
(Is this a must-win game?) Don't exactly call it a must-win game. We have four games in the group stage, and you need to win at least 3. For us, it is a big game. We want to put our best foot forward.
(On adapting to conditions) We have been in India and Sri Lanka for more than a month now. To be honest, we have been here for the last month and a half. So, we are used to the conditions.
(On team combination) We have plenty of all-rounders. We have plenty of options in batting and bowling."
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