Live: Pakistan vs Netherlands T20 World Cup – NED 50/2 (6 overs) after PAK choose to bowl in Colombo. Babar Azam stunner; Levitt dismissed. Real-time score & commentary.

Colombo: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicked off with an intriguing clash between Pakistan and Netherlands at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, where Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first under sunny skies. As of the latest updates, Netherlands are 50/2 in 5.6 overs, with Bas de Leede (9*) and Colin Ackermann (9*) at the crease, aiming to build on an aggressive start despite losing both openers.

Toss and Team Selections

Pakistan captain Salman Agha called correctly at the toss and chose to field, citing the “unusual Sri Lankan conditions” that favor chasing on a spin-friendly pitch. The match, starting at 11:00 AM IST, marks the tournament opener for Group A, with no rain interruptions expected.

Pakistan’s Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.

Netherlands’ Playing XI: Michael Levitt, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Scott Edwards (c) (w), Zach Lion-Cachet, Saqib Zulfiqar, Aryan Dutt, Roelof van der Merwe, Timm van der Gugten, Paul van Meekeren.

Live Score and Innings Update

Netherlands, batting first, got off to a flying start but lost momentum with two quick wickets. Current score: 50/2 in 5.6 overs (RR: 8.00; projected total: 147).

• Batsmen on crease: Bas de Leede (9* off 6 balls), Colin Ackermann (9* off 5 balls).
• Recent Wickets: Michael Levitt (24 off 14, caught by Babar Azam off Salman Mirza—stunning tag-team catch with Shaheen Afridi at the boundary); Max O’Dowd (5 off 5, out off Salman Mirza).
• Powerplay: NED reached 44/2 in 5.3 overs, with Levitt smashing Shaheen Afridi for boundaries in the first over (4,1,2,2).
• Key Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi (0/15 in 1 over), Salman Mirza (2/21 in 1.6 overs), Mohammad Nawaz (introduced early for spin).

Pakistan’s bowlers are searching for more breakthroughs, with Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan expected to exploit the pitch.

Match Context and Team Form

This is the opening match of the 2025/26 T20 World Cup. Pakistan enter as favorites but face pressure to start strong amid the “India boycott” row, with India refusing to play them in the group stage.

Pakistan feature in-form stars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. Recent victories have boosted their confidence.

The Netherlands come in as underdogs with mixed form (WWLLNRNR). They depend on aggressive batters, including Levitt, who scored 278 runs in seven matches, and O’Dowd, who has 275 runs from nine.

Head-to-head: Pakistan have won both previous T20 meetings (both in World Cups).

Broadcast and Viewing Info

The match is live-streamed on JioHotstar app and website. TV coverage is available on sports channels, with radio commentary on BBC.

Reactions and Highlights

Media and fans are buzzing over NED’s early aggression and Babar’s fielding heroics. Social media posts highlight Pakistan’s toss decision and the tournament’s exciting start, with some noting PAK’s must-win mindset.

As the innings progresses, Pakistan will aim to restrict Netherlands below 150, setting up a chase on a tricky surface. Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds.

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