Pakistan Women Finish ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Campaign With 37-run Win Over Netherlands

Pakistan signed off their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a winning note with a convincing 37-run victory over World Cup debutants the Netherlands at the Bristol County Ground on Friday. An all-round performance from Ayesha Zafar, backed by captain Fatima Sana and opener Gull Feroza, ensured Pakistan finished the tournament with their first victory.

After electing to bat, Pakistan recovered from an early setback to post a competitive total of 126 for six in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Gull Feroza anchored the innings superbly with an unbeaten 63, while Ayesha Zafar chipped in with a valuable 32. The pair stitched together a crucial 94-run partnership that steadied the innings after the early dismissal of Muneeba Ali, who managed 12 runs.

Feroza paced her knock well, rotating the strike regularly before finding the boundary whenever the Netherlands bowlers erred in length. Ayesha complemented her perfectly with positive strokeplay, helping Pakistan build momentum during the middle overs. Tuba Hassan remained unbeaten on seven to provide a late flourish as Pakistan crossed the 120-run mark.

Chasing 127, the Netherlands started brightly with Heather Siegers scoring a brisk 24 to keep the required rate under control. Babette de Leede then produced a fighting 30 to keep her side in contention. However, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack gradually tightened its grip on the contest.

Ayesha Zafar proved to be the game-changer with the ball, claiming three wickets and producing a crucial run-out during a decisive spell that derailed the Dutch chase. Captain Fatima Sana also impressed with three wickets, while Diana Baig and Nashra Sundhu chipped in with important breakthroughs as the Netherlands struggled to build lasting partnerships.

The Dutch innings eventually folded for 89 in 18 overs, handing Pakistan a comfortable 37-run victory. Despite the defeat, the Netherlands showed glimpses of promise during their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, competing bravely against more experienced opposition throughout the tournament.

For Pakistan, the victory provided a positive ending after a difficult campaign. The performances of Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, and Fatima Sana offered encouraging signs for the future as the team looks to build on this result in upcoming international competitions.

Brief Scores

Pakistan 126/6 (20 overs) beat Netherlands 89 all out (18 overs) by 37 runs.