Pakistan she wrote off the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with a convincing 37-run win over the Netherlands at the County Ground on Saturday, producing a disciplined bowling performance over the tournament’s debutants for just 89 in 18 overs.Captain Fatima Sana led from the front with an outstanding spell, finishing with figures of 3-12, including a superb triple wicket maiden that put the game beyond Holland’s reach. Ayesha Zafar provided excellent support by taking 3-13 as Pakistan ended their campaign with a win to finish fifth in Group A.In pursuit of the Pakistan target, the Netherlands got off to an encouraging start through Heather Siegers, who played positively from the start. The former hit five boundaries as she battled Sadie Iqbal, Fatima Sana and Diana Baig, racing to 24 off just 16 deliveries. However, Pakistan hit back when Diana cheated on Heather with a slower delivery that trapped her weight. The decision was confirmed after DRS confirmed the invitation to the field.The Netherlands suffered another setback soon after when Phebe Molkenboer ran out for eight after Eyman Fatima’s sharp direct kick at short fine leg. Sterre Kalis then joined captain Babette de Leede in a bid to shore up the innings, but Pakistan’s spin attack gradually tightened its grip. Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan curtailed the scoring chances and Sterre eventually departed for 12 after clipping Nashra on the stumps as she tried to cut a shot.Babette continued to battle alongside Robin Rijke as the pair relied mostly on singles and doubles to keep the chase going. Babette found the boundary on several occasions, including twice against part-timer Ayesha Zafar. However, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained excellent control and Ayesha soon turned the match in her side’s favour. She caught Robin lbw before trapping Sanya Khurana not out and then removed Frederique Overdijk, who hit straight for six.All hopes of a late revival were dashed after a bizarre run involving Iris Zwilling. Babette’s free kick deflected off her strike partner on the non-attacking side, leaving Iris stranded in midfield. Ayesha reacted quickly, collected the ball and threw it at the keeper, ending the unusual shutout.With her bottom row on display, Fatima Sana finished the job in style. The Pakistani captain dismissed Babette de Leede, who top-scored with 30, before the clean bowling of Silver Siegers and Caroline de Lange completed their superb spell to seal a comfortable victory. Heather Siegers made 24 for the Netherlands but it was not enough to stop Pakistan from ending their World Cup campaign on a positive note.
