Fahim Ashraf rescued Pakistan in their opening match against the Netherlands in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo on Saturday.

Chasing a modest target of 148, Pakistan’s middle order collapsed and gave the Netherlands a chance to create an upset

Pakistan began their run chase with openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan taking to the crease, as Ayub once again adopted his aggressive approach to provide a brisk start.

Saim Ayub did not stay long at the crease, scoring 24 runs off 13 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before being dismissed.

Pakistan lost their second wicket at 53 runs when captain Salman Ali Agha was out for 12.

The third and fourth wickets fell in quick succession at 98 runs.

Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for 47 off 31 balls, while Usman Khan was out for a duck.

In the very next over, Pakistan suffered another setback as Babar Azam was dismissed for 15 off 18 balls, leaving the side five down in the 12.4th over.

Earlier, the Netherlands were bowled for 147 in the allotted 20 overs in the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.