Pakistan Finish T20 World Cup Journey with Victory Over Netherlands
BRISTOL: Pakistan ended their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a positive note after securing a comfortable 37-run victory over the Netherlands in the 26th match at County Ground on Saturday.
Defending a target of 127, Pakistan’s bowlers kept the Dutch batters under pressure throughout the innings and eventually bowled them out for 89 in 18 overs.
Netherlands captain Babette de Leede fought hard and remained the top scorer for her side with a patient 30 from 41 balls. Heather Siegers provided an aggressive start with 24 runs from just 16 deliveries, while no other batter managed to reach double figures.
Ayesha Zafar played a major role in Pakistan’s success, delivering an all-round performance by claiming three wickets after contributing with the bat. Captain Fatima Sana also picked up three wickets, while Nashra Sandhu and Diana Baig added one each.
Earlier, after electing to bat first, Pakistan posted 126/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings started on a difficult note as Muneeba Ali departed in the fourth over with only 15 runs on the scoreboard.
Ayesha Zafar then joined Sidra Amin/Feroza at the crease and helped stabilize the innings through an important 79-run partnership for the second wicket, giving Pakistan a solid platform.
Ayesha’s useful innings came to an end in the 14th over after scoring 32 off 29 balls, including two boundaries and a six. Fatima Sana promoted herself up the order but could only manage three runs before being dismissed.
Pakistan lost a few wickets in the closing stages as Eyman Fatima departed without scoring in her first Women’s T20 World Cup appearance, while Iram Javed and Saira Jabeen also failed to make major contributions.
Feroza remained unbeaten till the end and anchored the innings brilliantly with a match-winning 63 off 52 deliveries, striking nine fours. Her impressive knock earned her the Player of the Match award.
For the Netherlands, Iris Zwilling was the most effective bowler with figures of 2/19, while Hannah Landheer, Heather Siegers, Silver Siegers and Caroline de Lange picked up one wicket each.
