Pakistan vs Netherlands T20 World Cup 2026: Green Shirts Opt to Bowl & Playing XI

The wait is finally over. It is February 7, 2026, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has officially kicked off at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. The atmosphere is electric, though the clouds hovering over the stadium are threatening to spoil the party.

In the tournament opener, Pakistan has won the toss and elected to BOWL first.

Captain Salman Ali Agha, leading Pakistan in a World Cup for the first time, made the call without hesitation. With weather reports predicting a 68% chance of rain later in the afternoon, the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method is likely to come into play. Chasing is the safer option, allowing Pakistan to control the pace if the overs are reduced.

For the Netherlands, led by the gritty Scott Edwards, this is a chance to exploit Pakistan’s recent turbulence. Can the Dutch top order survive the fresh swing of Shaheen Afridi under overcast skies? Or will Pakistan’s pace battery rip through them early?

Toss Update: Why Bowling First Was the Only Choice

The decision to field first was dictated by two factors: Weather and Surface History.

1. The Weather Factor:

Meteorological reports for Colombo indicate scattered thunderstorms starting around 1:00 PM local time. If rain interrupts play during the second innings, the team batting second will have a clear target adjustment via DLS.

2. The Pitch Report:

The SSC pitch has been under covers due to morning drizzle.

• Moisture: There is residual moisture in the surface, which will aid seam movement in the first 4-6 overs.
• Spin Later: As the game progresses (and if the sun breaks through), the pitch is expected to slow down, bringing spinners like Abrar Ahmed and Aryan Dutt into the game.

Table: Match Vital Stats

Final Playing XI: The Teams are Locked In

The team sheets are out, and there are some bold calls from both camps.

Pakistan: The “Pace & Spin” Balance

Pakistan has gone with a balanced attack. The headline news is the return of Babar Azam to the No. 3 spot, anchoring the innings. Salman Ali Agha leads a side that features the debutant pacer Mohammad Salman Mirza, preferred over Faheem Ashraf for his raw pace. Usman Khan takes the gloves, adding firepower to the middle order.

Pakistan Playing XI:

1. Saim Ayub (Left-hand Bat)
2. Sahibzada Farhan (Right-hand Bat)
3. Babar Azam (Right-hand Bat)
4. Salman Ali Agha (c) (All-rounder/Spin)
5. Usman Khan (wk) (Wicketkeeper-Bat)
6. Shadab Khan (Leg-spin All-rounder)
7. Mohammad Nawaz (Left-arm Spin)
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Left-arm Fast)
9. Naseem Shah (Right-arm Fast)
10. Abrar Ahmed (Mystery Spinner)
11. Mohammad Salman Mirza (Right-arm Fast)

Netherlands: Experience at the Core

The Dutch are fielding a side heavy on all-rounders. Bas de Leede remains their MVP, capable of bowling 140kph and hitting big sixes. Veteran Roelof van der Merwe is playing his sixth World Cup, bringing invaluable experience to the spin department.

Netherlands Playing XI:

1. Max O’Dowd
2. Michael Levitt
3. Bas de Leede
4. Colin Ackermann
5. Scott Edwards (c & wk)
6. Noah Croes
7. Roelof van der Merwe
8. Logan van Beek
9. Aryan Dutt
10. Paul van Meekeren
11. Kyle Klein

Key Battles to Watch

With Pakistan bowling first, the first six overs (Powerplay) will decide the momentum.

1. Shaheen Afridi vs. Max O’Dowd

• The Threat: Shaheen’s trademark in-swinger to the right-hander.
• The Stat: O’Dowd strikes at only 112 against left-arm pace in the Powerplay. If he survives the first over, Netherlands has a chance. If his toe is crushed, it could be a long day for the Dutch.

2. Abrar Ahmed vs. Scott Edwards

• The Trap: Edwards loves the sweep shot. Abrar, the “mystery spinner,” relies on variations that make the sweep risky.
• Prediction: Expect Pakistan to introduce spin early (Overs 7-8) to target the Dutch captain.

3. Bas de Leede vs. Naseem Shah

• The Middle Overs: De Leede is the engine of the Dutch innings. Naseem’s ability to reverse swing the old ball (or bowl hard lengths) will be crucial in the death overs.

Table: Head-to-Head (T20 World Cups)

Scenario Analysis: What is a Good Score?

Since Pakistan is bowling first, they will look to restrict the Netherlands.

• If Pakistan takes early wickets: They will aim to bundle the Dutch out for under 130.
• If the Dutch survive the Powerplay: A score of 160-170 is par on this SSC wicket.
• The Rain Threat: If the match is shortened to 10 overs a side, the target will likely be adjusted upwards. Pakistan’s deep batting lineup (with Shadab at No. 6 and Nawaz at No. 7) gives them an advantage in a shortened chase.

Where to Watch Live?

Don’t miss a single ball of the opener.

• Pakistan: PTV Sports / Myco App (Free)
• India: Star Sports Network / JioHotstar
• Netherlands: NOS Website / ICC.tv
• USA: Willow TV

Conclusion: A Must-Win for Pakistan

This match carries extra weight for the “Men in Green.” With the controversy surrounding their scheduled match against India on February 15 (and the potential boycott/forfeit), Pakistan cannot afford to drop points here. They need a massive Net Run Rate (NRR) boost today to ensure they qualify for the Super 8s even if they lose points later.

Shaheen is at the top of his mark. Max O’Dowd is tapping his bat. The umpire calls “Play.” The T20 World Cup 2026 is ON!