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COLOMBO — Pakistan’s T20 captain Babar Azam pulled off a sensational catch on the boundary, aided by Shaheen Shah Afridi, to dismiss in-form Dutch batter Michael Levitt in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on Saturday.
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The remarkable moment occurred on the second delivery of Mohammad Nawaz’s opening over. Levitt attempted a powerful shot that seemed destined for a six, but Babar leapt at the boundary, intercepted the ball, and threw it to Shaheen, who completed the catch. Levitt had scored a quickfire 24 off 15 balls, including three fours and a six, before his dismissal.
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The Netherlands started aggressively, reaching 100 in the 13th over with skipper Scott Edwards smashing a six off Nawaz. However, the spinner bounced back, removing Bas de Leede for 30 off 25 balls, reducing the score to 105-4. Abrar Ahmed then claimed Edwards for 37 off 29 deliveries.
Saim Ayub tightened Pakistan’s grip, dismissing Logan van Beek for a first-ball duck and Zach Lion-Cachet for nine, leaving the Netherlands at 129-7. Despite a fiery start, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack contained the Dutch side, ultimately bowling them out for 147 runs in 19.5 overs.
Salman Mirza led the Pakistani bowling effort with 3 wickets for 24 runs in 3.5 overs. Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Saim Ayub took two wickets each, while Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed one.
Historically, Pakistan has faced the Netherlands twice in T20 Internationals, winning both matches, and the Flying Dutchmen have yet to register a victory against the Green Shirts.
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Pakistan’s fielding brilliance, led by Babar’s boundary catch, set the tone for a strong start to their T20 World Cup campaign, showcasing a blend of athleticism, strategy, and clinical bowling execution.