The Netherlands posted a target of 148 runs for Pakistan in the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo on Saturday.

The Netherlands made a brisk start after being put into bat by Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha.

The team was on course for a total of 170 plus, but lost three wickets in quick succession, and the entire team was bowled out for 147.

The Netherlands lost their first wicket at 28 runs, with Max O’Dowd dismissed for 5 by Salman Mirza.

The second wicket fell at 31 runs when Michael Levitt was out for 24, caught by Mohammad Nawaz.

Colin Ackermann was the third wicket to fall at 65 runs, dismissed for 20 by Abrar Ahmed.

The Netherlands then forged a partnership that took the team’s total to 105 runs, before Mohammad Nawaz broke the stand to claim the fourth wicket for Pakistan.

Pakistan’s fielders were energetic in the field and took two outstanding catches to restrict the Netherlands’ batting line-up.

Captain Scott Edwards kept things on track with 37 off 29.

The last 24 balls of the Netherlands innings produced six wickets and 20 runs, with Salman Mirza taking three wickets.

Speaking after winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said the pitch conditions in Sri Lanka were unlike anything he had seen before.

He added that Pakistan would rely on their three pacers and try to execute the strategy.