DALLAS — Pakistan began their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a victory, but it was far from the commanding start they or their legion of fans had hoped for. In a tense, low-scoring affair at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas, the 2009 champions scraped past a spirited Netherlands side by just five wickets, exposing familiar frailties and leaving more questions than answers.
Chasing a modest target of 104, Pakistan’s star-studded batting lineup crumbled under pressure, reduced to 62 for 5 in the 12th over. It took a stunning, match-saving cameo from all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who smashed an unbeaten 29 off just 11 balls, to drag his team over the line with just seven balls to spare. The result, while a win, felt more like a reprieve.
A Nervy Chase Derailed Early
Pakistan’s pursuit began disastrously. Captain Babar Azam, looking to set a solid foundation, fell for 14 in the fifth over, caught behind off the bowling of Paul van Meekeren. The very next ball, the in-form Mohammad Rizwan was trapped lbw by a sharp inswinger from Logan van Beek for a golden duck, sending shockwaves through the Pakistani camp.
The middle order failed to steady the ship. Usman Khan (3) and Fakhar Zaman (12) fell cheaply, and when the experienced Shadab Khan was bowled by van Beek for 4, Pakistan were in deep trouble at 62 for 5, needing 42 runs from 50 balls with only the bowlers left to support Iftikhar Ahmed.
The key moments of Pakistan's chaotic chase included:
- The back-to-back wickets of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
- A critical 15-run 16th over from Bas de Leede, targeted by Ashraf.
- The calm presence of Iftikhar Ahmed (22* off 20) at the other end.
- Faheem Ashraf's three sixes, each releasing immense pressure.
Faheem Ashraf to the Rescue
With the match slipping away, Faheem Ashraf played the innings of his life. Promoted ahead of Shaheen Afridi, he announced his intent immediately, launching Tim Pringle for a massive six over long-on. He then turned the game decisively in the 16th over, taking 15 runs off Bas de Leede with a four and another six.
The required rate, which had crept above 7, suddenly became manageable. Ashraf fittingly finished the game with a boundary, sealing a win that had seemed improbable just half an hour earlier. Reflecting on his innings, Ashraf said, "The plan was simple: see the ball, hit the ball. I knew I had to be aggressive and take the pressure off Iftikhar. We knew the Netherlands are a fighting team, but we had to find a way."
Dutch Bowlers Shine in Defeat
Earlier, the Netherlands, after being put into bat, had themselves posted a below-par 103 for 9. Their innings was strangled by a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack, with Haris Rauf (3/21) and Mohammad Amir (2/13) excelling. Only Vikramjit Singh (26) and de Leede (22) offered any substantial resistance.
Yet, the Dutch bowlers transformed that modest total into a formidable challenge. Led superbly by captain Scott Edwards, they exploited the two-paced pitch and Pakistan's anxiety. Logan van Beek was outstanding, taking 3 for 18, while van Meekeren (1/19) and de Leede (1/22) maintained relentless pressure.
A proud but disappointed Scott Edwards remarked after the game, "We knew 103 was under par, but we also knew if we bowled well and held our catches, we could make it tough. The boys fought incredibly hard. We had them under pressure, but Faheem played a fantastic knock. It's a tough loss to take."
Familiar Concerns for Pakistan
While the two points are secured, the performance will do little to quiet the critics. The batting collapse against a disciplined but non-elite attack highlighted the same top-order fragility that has plagued Pakistan in recent years. The over-reliance on Babar and Rizwan was exposed, and the middle order's inability to build a partnership in a crisis remains a glaring concern.
Furthermore, the decision-making raised eyebrows. The exclusion of Azam Khan, a power-hitter, and the late promotion of Ashraf, while ultimately inspired, appeared more reactive than strategic. The fielding, though not catastrophic, was not as sharp as it needed to be, adding to the overall sense of unease.
The Road Ahead
This jittery win places Pakistan in a precarious position in Group A, which also includes arch-rivals India, co-hosts USA, and Ireland. Their next match is against the tournament co-hosts, the United States, who stunned everyone with a Super Over win against Canada. A similar batting performance against a confident USA side could prove disastrous.
Captain Babar Azam acknowledged the shortcomings, stating, "A win is a win, and we will take the positives. But we know we did not play to our potential. The batting was not good. We need to be better, more responsible. Faheem showed great character, but the top order must step up."
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call
Pakistan’s opening act at the 2024 T20 World Cup was less a statement of intent and more a heart-stopping escape. The victory, secured by Faheem Ashraf's brilliant late blitz, papers over significant cracks in their batting lineup. For the Netherlands, it was a performance full of guts and skill that fell agonizingly short, proving once again they are no pushovers in this format.
For Pakistan, this was the ultimate wake-up call delivered in the nick of time. They have the points, but they must find cohesion, confidence, and consistency rapidly. In a tournament as short and sharp as the T20 World Cup, there may not be a second chance to recover from such a shaky start against stronger opposition. The alarm bells are ringing in Dallas.