ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 | Match 1: Pakistan vs Netherlands | Preview and Predictions

The 10th edition of the men’s T20 World Cup is here as the cricketing world gets ready for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Being co-hosted by defending champions India and Sri Lanka, there are a total of 20 teams battling it out for the trophy with Pakistan facing Netherlands in the opening game.

Here, we present our preview and predictions for the first game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and Netherlands.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match 1: PAK vs NED | 11:00, February 7, 2026

Pakistan come into the tournament with a lot of noise around Salman Agha’s team with regards to their alleged boycott of the India vs Pakistan match. But on the pitch, Pakistan are coming into the World Cup on the back off a big morale boosting series win at home against an albeit not-at-full-strength Australian squad.

Salman Agha will be leading the Pakistani squad with a host of experience in the batting department to bolster the Asian team. Pakistan have the experienced duo of Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam at the top with Saim Ayub having locked in the opening slot with Zaman. Salman Agha has taken the no.3 slot with Azam playing more of an anchor role at no. 4. A middle order consisting of Usman Khan, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz provides Pakistan depth with Khan and Nawaz being handy with the ball as well.

Shaheen Shah Afridi will be leading the Pakistani bowling attack and with no Haris Rauf, Afridi has added responsibility on his shoulders. Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed will be the two key names along with Afridi while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz will also be crucial in the middle overs for Pakistan in slow conditions. 

Netherlands on the other hand have a host of names with experience in the squad, albeit not at the top level. Max O’Dowd is not only one of their most experienced players but also a lock in at the top of the order with Michael Levitt set to partner him at the top. Bas de Leede is a handy option for the Dutch in the top order. Zach Lion-Cachet, their captain and wicketkeeper Scott Edwards and Collin Ackerman make up an experienced middle order, and the three will be key in tough batting conditions. Aryan Dutt and Logan van Beek lead the bowling attack for Netherlands with the veteran spinner Roelof van der Merwe set to be key in spin-friendly conditions across India and Sri Lanka.

The Colombo ground will be hosting its first men’s T20 international in over 15 years with the ground having seen limited action over the last couple of years. The Colombo strip is known to be one that is a slow one with spinners having a good outing. Expect some runs and the spinner and slower bowlers to be on top in an encounter which favours the Pakistani team.

Fantasy XI: Fakhar Zaman, Max O’Dowd, Saim Ayub ©, Salman Agha, Scott Edwards (wk), Shadab Khan, Bas de Leede, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed (vc), Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe

Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo

Winners Prediction: Pakistan