Xplorich
Pakistan signed off from the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with a convincing 37-run victory over the Netherlands at the County Ground on Saturday, producing a disciplined bowling display to bowl out the tournament 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 remarkable triple-wicket maiden that put the game beyond the Netherlands’ reach. Ayesha Zafar provided excellent support by claiming 3-13 as Pakistan wrapped up their campaign on a winning note to finish fifth in Group A.Chasing Pakistan’s target, the Netherlands made an encouraging start through Heather Siegers, who played positively from the outset. The opener struck five boundaries while taking on Sadia Iqbal, Fatima Sana and Diana Baig, racing to 24 from just 16 deliveries. However, Pakistan struck back when Diana deceived Heather with a slower delivery that trapped her lbw. The decision was upheld after the DRS confirmed the on-field call.The Netherlands suffered another setback soon after when Phebe Molkenboer was run out for eight following a sharp direct hit from Eyman Fatima at short fine leg. Sterre Kalis then joined captain Babette de Leede in an attempt to steady the innings, but Pakistan’s spin attack gradually tightened its grip. Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan dried up the scoring opportunities, and Sterre eventually departed for 12 after chopping Nashra onto her stumps while attempting a cut shot.Babette continued to fight alongside Robine Rijke as the pair relied mainly on singles and twos to keep the chase alive. Babette found the boundary on a few occasions, including twice against part-time spinner Ayesha Zafar. However, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained excellent control, and Ayesha soon turned the match decisively in her team’s favour. She trapped Robine lbw before having Sanya Khurana stumped without scoring and then removed Frederique Overdijk, who sliced a catch straight to cover for six.Any hopes of a late revival disappeared after a bizarre run-out involving Iris Zwilling. Babette’s straight drive ricocheted off her batting partner at the non-striker’s end, leaving Iris stranded midway down the pitch. Ayesha reacted quickly to gather the ball and throw it to the wicketkeeper, completing the unusual dismissal.With the lower order exposed, Fatima Sana finished the job in style. The Pakistan captain dismissed Babette de Leede, who top-scored with 30, before clean bowling Silver Siegers and Caroline de Lange to complete her superb spell and seal a comfortable victory. Heather Siegers contributed 24 for the Netherlands, but it was not enough to prevent Pakistan from ending their World Cup campaign on a positive note.
