Faheem Ashraf’s Last Three Sixes Stun Rivals as Pakistan Pull Off Thrilling T20 World Cup Escape

Cricket rarely delivers drama as pure and heart-stopping as what unfolded in Colombo on a humid Saturday night. In the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan looked beaten, broken, and backing away from a shocking upset. Then, in a blink of an eye, Faheem Ashraf arrived like a storm, unleashed three monster sixes, and rewrote the story of the match.

What began as a cautious chase ended in chaos, tension, and finally jubilation. Pakistan did not just win a game — they survived, fought, and escaped by the narrowest of margins, defeating Netherlands by three wickets in one of the most gripping finishes of the tournament so far.

This was not simply a match; it was a rollercoaster, a lesson in resilience, and a reminder of why T20 cricket remains the most unpredictable format in the sport.

A Tricky Target in Colombo

At the historic Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first — a decision shaped by overcast skies, a grassy pitch, and the promise of early swing.

Netherlands batted with intent but caution, eventually being bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs. On paper, the score looked chaseable. On the field, it felt anything but.

The surface offered grip for spinners and subtle movement for seamers. Every run felt earned, every boundary felt precious. Pakistan’s bowlers — led by Shaheen Afridi — kept things tight, but the Dutch middle order showed grit, especially through Bas de Leede and Logan van Beek.

By the time Netherlands were all out, the feeling was mixed: Pakistan had done well, yet 147 on this pitch still carried danger.

A Confident Start Turns into Panic

Pakistan’s chase began smoothly.

Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan looked composed, rotating strike and finding boundaries when possible. Fans in green shirts began chanting, drums started beating, and the Pakistani dugout appeared relaxed.

Then, suddenly, things fell apart.

Wickets began to tumble — one after another.

Babar Azam fell cheaply. The middle order struggled to build partnerships. The Dutch bowlers, especially Paul van Meekeren, bowled with discipline and ice-cold nerves.

By the 18th over, Pakistan were 119 for 7.

At this point, the stadium atmosphere flipped completely. Dutch fans were jumping. Pakistani supporters were silent. Even the commentators sounded stunned.

It felt like an upset was brewing.

The Over That Changed Everything

Then came the 19th over — bowled by Logan van Beek.

Pakistan needed 29 runs from the last two overs. The odds were heavily against them.

Enter Faheem Ashraf.

What followed was not just batting — it was destruction.

Ball one: Faheem cleared the boundary with a powerful six over deep midwicket.

Ball two: Another massive six, even higher, even cleaner.

Ball three: A full toss — hammered straight down the ground for six again.

Three balls. Three sixes. Game flipped.

In between, there was a crucial dropped catch by Max O’Dowd at long-on — a moment that will haunt the Dutch for years.

That single missed chance turned pressure into punishment. Faheem did not forgive; he punished brutally.

By the end of the over, Pakistan had scored 24 runs, moving to 143/7. Suddenly, they needed just five runs from the final over.

What seemed impossible minutes earlier now looked inevitable.

The Winning Moment

The last over, bowled by Bas de Leede, began nervously.

Dot ball. Single. Another dot.

Then Faheem struck again — a calm, controlled boundary through the off side.

Ball met bat. Crowd exploded. Pakistan had done it.

Final score:

• Netherlands: 147 all out (19.5 overs)

• Pakistan: 148/7 (19.3 overs)

• Result: Pakistan won by 3 wickets

• Player of the Match: Faheem Ashraf — 25 (9 balls)*

Why This Knock Was Special

Faheem’s innings was not about numbers. It was about timing, courage, and belief.

Many batters can hit sixes when their team is cruising. Very few can do it when their team is collapsing.

His last three sixes were more than shots — they were statements:

• “We are not beaten.”

• “We still believe.”

• “This game is not over.”

In many ways, this innings will be remembered alongside legendary late finishes in World Cup history.

Step-by-Step: How Pakistan Won a Lost Game (Tactical Breakdown)

For readers who love strategy, here is a simple step-by-step guide to how Pakistan turned defeat into victory:

Step 1 — Stay in Touch with the Run Rate

Even during the collapse, Pakistan avoided leaving too many dots. Small singles kept them within reach.

Step 2 — Trust Your Finisher

Instead of panic, Pakistan trusted Faheem to bat deep and find boundaries.

Step 3 — Attack One Bowler

Targeting Logan van Beek proved decisive. One big over changed everything.

Step 4 — Capitalize on Fielding Errors

The dropped catch by Max O’Dowd was punished immediately — that is champion mentality.

Step 5 — Finish Calmly

In the final over, Pakistan did not rush. They waited for the right ball and sealed the game cleanly.

Heartbreak for Netherlands

For Netherlands, this was cruel.

They played brave, smart, and disciplined cricket for 38 overs — only to lose in the final two.

Paul van Meekeren’s 18th over was outstanding. Their fielding was sharp. Their bowling plans were spot on.

But in T20, one over can erase everything.

The dropped catch will be talked about for a long time, yet the Dutch can hold their heads high. They pushed a cricket giant to the brink and nearly pulled off a historic win.

What This Means for Pakistan’s Campaign

This win gives Pakistan two crucial points in Group A, but also raises important questions:

• Can their batting survive against stronger teams?

• Will their middle order handle pressure better next time?

• Can Faheem become their go-to finisher?

One thing is certain — Pakistan will take huge confidence from this escape.

Momentum in a World Cup is everything, and they now have it.

A Night Fans Will Never Forget

As the floodlights glowed over Colombo, fans slowly left the stadium — some relieved, some heartbroken, all exhausted.

A child in a green cap was seen shouting, “Faheem bhai ne match jeeta diya!” (Faheem won the match!)

That moment captured the emotion of the night perfectly.

Cricket is not just a game in Pakistan; it is passion, identity, and hope.

And on this night, Faheem Ashraf became a hero.

Final Thoughts

Faheem Ashraf’s last three sixes did not just win a match — they saved a campaign.

This thriller will be replayed, analyzed, and celebrated for years to come. Whether Pakistan go on to win the tournament or not, this escape in Colombo will remain one of the defining moments of T20 World Cup 2026.

And if cricket teaches us one thing, it is this:

Never leave early. The magic can come in the last over.

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