Pakistan beat Netherlands to end women’s T20 World Cup on a High

Pakistan concluded their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a winning note after registering an impressive 37-run victory

Pakistan concluded their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a winning note after registering an impressive 37-run victory over the Netherlands in their final group-stage match on Saturday. A superb unbeaten half-century from Gull Feroza, combined with an outstanding bowling performance led by captain Fatima Sana, helped the Green Shirts secure their first win of the tournament.

Defending a target of 127, Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a disciplined display to dismiss the Netherlands for just 89 runs in 18 overs. Fatima Sana starred with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets, while Ayesha Zafar provided excellent support with two key breakthroughs as the Dutch batting line-up failed to build any significant partnerships.

The Netherlands began their chase positively, with openers Heather Siegers and Phebe Molkenboer putting together a quick 31-run stand in only 3.3 overs. Their aggressive approach gave the team early momentum before Pakistan struck back. Diana Baig removed Siegers for a brisk 24, while an accurate direct hit from Eyman Fatima sent Molkenboer back to the pavilion after she had scored eight runs.

Dutch captain Babette de Leede then attempted to rebuild the innings alongside Sterre Kalis. The pair added 19 valuable runs and guided their side past the 50-run mark by the halfway stage of the innings. However, Pakistan regained complete control when left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu bowled Kalis for 12.

Although De Leede continued to fight from one end, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Ayesha Zafar turned the game decisively in Pakistan’s favour by taking two wickets in the 15th over, triggering a dramatic collapse. The Netherlands slipped from a relatively stable 76-4 to 88-6, losing momentum at the most crucial stage of the chase.

Fatima Sana then sealed the victory with a brilliant spell in her final over, dismissing three batters to wrap up the Dutch innings for 89. De Leede remained the highest scorer for her side with a determined 30 off 41 deliveries, including two boundaries, but received little support from the rest of the batting order.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan elected to bat after winning the toss and posted a competitive total of 126-6 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Gull Feroza, who produced one of her finest T20 performances. She remained unbeaten on 63 from 52 deliveries, striking nine elegant boundaries and holding the innings together from start to finish.

Pakistan suffered an early setback when Muneeba Ali departed after scoring 12, but Gull Feroza and Ayesha Zafar combined to steady the innings with an excellent 79-run partnership for the second wicket. Zafar contributed a fluent 32 off 29 balls, including two fours and a six, before being dismissed with the score on 94.

Pakistan appeared well-positioned to post a much bigger total, but the Netherlands fought back strongly in the closing overs. A flurry of wickets slowed Pakistan’s progress, reducing them to 113-5 before the final stages of the innings. Despite the late collapse, Gull Feroza remained composed at the crease and ensured her side finished with a competitive score of 126.

For the Netherlands, Iris Zwilling was the standout bowler, taking two wickets while conceding only 19 runs in her four-over spell. However, her efforts were not enough to prevent Pakistan from finishing their World Cup campaign with a well-deserved and confidence-boosting victory.