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Pakistan to face Netherlands in T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: @Crex_live, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]
For the inaugural game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan will take on the Netherlands in a Group A match. The match will be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on February 7 at 11:00 AM IST.
Pakistan enter the tournament with confidence and momentum. The 2009 champions are looking to keep the momentum going after dominating a 3-0 home series sweep over Australia. Their squad looks settled and balanced.
Moreover, the bowling line-up provides both pace and variation, along with control, as the conditions in Colombo are spin-friendly. Pakistan would aim to dominate quickly and dictate the terms in the tournament.
The Netherlands, on the other hand, start their campaign as underdogs, though not without hope. They have earned a reputation of defeating big teams at the ICC tournaments. Wins over England and South Africa in past World Cups still define their fighting spirit.
However, consistency remains a concern against top-tier sides. Facing Pakistan’s pace and spin will be a tough test. For the Dutch, if they handle pressure well, they can compete.
PAK vs NED current form (last 5 matches)
| Team | Form |
| Pakistan | W, W, W, L, W |
| Netherlands | L, L, L, W, W |
PAK vs NED: Key player battles
Saim Ayub vs Paul van Meekeren
Saim Ayub is one of Pakistan’s key openers. He likes to attack early and put pressure on the bowlers. Moreover, he has shown good form and confidence at the top. Paul van Meekeren will take the new ball for the Netherlands. His job will be clear. He will try to swing the ball and break through early. This battle could set the tone for the match.
Max O'Dowd vs Shaheen Afridi
Max O'Dowd is the backbone of the Dutch batting. He has played some strong knocks against big teams. If he settles in, the Netherlands can post a fighting total. But Pakistan will look to remove him early. Shaheen Afridi will lead the attack. His pace and swing with the new ball make him a big threat. An early wicket here could shift the game.
Scott Edwards vs Abrar Ahmed
Scott Edwards is the Netherlands captain and a reliable run-scorer. He often stabilises the innings in the middle overs. Pakistan will turn to Abrar Ahmed when Edwards is batting. Abrar’s leg-spin and sharp turn can trouble set batters. This contest could decide how strong the Dutch middle order looks.
PAK vs NED Top performers
Most runs for PAK vs NED
Mohammad Rizwan (49 runs), Kamran Akmal (41 runs)
Most wickets for PAK vs NED
Shahid Afridi (4 wickets), Saeed Ajmal (3 wickets)
Most runs for NED vs PAK
Colin Ackermann (27 runs)
Most wickets for NED vs PAK
Brandon Glover (2 wickets)
Pakistan vs Netherlands toss prediction
The surface at the SSC is fairly new and should play well early on. As the match goes on, the pitch is expected to slow down. That makes the toss important.
Most captains may prefer to bat first and use the better conditions. Pakistan could choose to bowl first to test combinations and chase later. The Netherlands may look to bat and put runs on the board. Hence, the toss call could shape the flow of this opening game.
Pakistan vs Netherlands 1st innings score prediction
Powerplay: 33/3
Final score: 150
Pakistan vs Netherlands 2nd innings score prediction
Powerplay: 40/1
Final score: 155
PAK vs NED top players prediction
PAK’s top players
Probable best batters
Salman Agha, Babar Azam
Probable best bowlers
Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed
NED’s top players
Probable best batters
Max O'Dowd, Colin Ackermann
Probable best bowlers
Logan van Beek, Paul van Meekeren
Who will hit the most sixes in the PAK vs NED match?
Who will hit the most fours in the PAK vs NED match?
Max O'Dowd
PAK vs NED Match Winner Prediction: Who Will Win Match 1?
Pakistan head into this contest as clear favourites. They have beaten the Netherlands in both of their previous T20I meetings. Recent form also works in their favour. Pakistan are coming off a confident 3-0 home series win against Australia.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, have shown fight in past tournaments, but this is a tough opening game. If they play to their strengths, they should control the match. Based on form and quality, Pakistan are expected to win this clash.
