COLOMBO: Former Pakistan cricketers and fans have praised all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for a late, match-winning cameo that guided Pakistan to a hard-fought victory over the Netherlands in their opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 148, Pakistan found themselves under pressure before Faheem produced a blistering knock of 29 runs off just 11 balls, smashing two fours and three sixes to tilt the contest in Pakistan’s favour.
Opener Sahibzada Farhan also laid a solid foundation, scoring 47 off 31 deliveries, including four boundaries and two sixes.
Earlier, the Netherlands were bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs after contributions from captain Scott Edwards, Bas de Leede, Michael Levitt and Colin Ackermann.
Former Pakistan all-rounder and coach Azhar Mahmood, along with Yasir Hameed, congratulated Faheem Ashraf on his decisive innings while pointing out shortcomings in the overall batting performance.
Former spinner Saeed Ajmal also joined the praise with a light-hearted remark on social media, thanking Faheem for steering Pakistan clear of embarrassment.
Fast bowler Rumman Raees lauded Faheem’s composure under pressure, while former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed shared a social media post appreciating the all-rounder’s match-winning effort.
Fans and commentators echoed similar sentiments online. Analyst and writer Nadeem Farooq Paracha wrote that Faheem’s innings helped Pakistan avoid an embarrassing defeat, while several supporters credited his three towering sixes for sealing the victory.