Pakistan playing XI vs Netherlands playing XI, match number 1 – ICC T20 World Cup 2026

The Pakistan Playing XI vs Netherlands Playing XI marks a clash between an Asian giant and a roach. However, this would be Pakistan’s first chance to play their final XI at the World Cup so they can build a squad before the much-awaited match against India.

Pakistan will be trying their best to boost their chances in the ICC tournament, especially after being placed largely against minnows in Group A and can easily reach the Super-8 stage from the group regardless of the outcome of the India-Pakistan match.

This article lists the likely playing XIs of Pakistan and Netherlands for the first T20I World Cup match in 2026, along with the likely player combinations and crucial players to watch out for in the iconic Sinhalese sports club in Colombo.

Pakistan playing XI vs Netherlands playing XI, match number 1 – ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan playing XI against Netherlands – ICC T20 World Cup

Openers: In your Ayubzada and Shibzada Farhan

Pakistani players Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan are among the two most dynamic cricketers currently in the Pakistan cricket team. While Saim Ayub has been a consistent run-scorer at the top of the batting order, Sahibzada Farhan showed promise after a string of good scores in the Asia Cup.

Middle-order hitters: Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz

Salman Agha has been promoted in the batting order and has been scoring runs fluently ever since. He is followed by veteran batsman Babar Azam, who eventually scored a half-century in the final T20I against Australia.

Usman Khan, the wicketkeeper-batsman, may be the first-choice keeper in the side, but Khawaja Nafay will be a constant threat to his position. The explosive gloveman is supported by all-rounders Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz.

Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf/Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed

Besides the three spin bowling all-rounders in Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan, Pakistan will look to Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf for their pace bowling deck. On the other hand, Abrar Ahmed remains the frontline spinner alongside Shadab Khan.

Pakistan playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf/Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed.

Netherlands playing XI against Pakistan – ICC T20 World Cup

Openers: Max O’Dowd and Vikramjit Singh

Max O’Dowd remains one of the strongest hitting options in the Dutch line-up. The opening batsman has been one of the ardent run-getters while on the other hand, Vikramjit Singh is at the top of the rankings despite not scoring many runs in recent times.

Middle-Order Batters: Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (C/wk), Bas de Leede, Saqib Zulfiqar

Colin Ackermann returns to the playing XI for Netherlands in the ICC T20 World Cup, while captain Scott Edwards provides some fireworks in the middle. They are followed by all-rounders Bas de Leede and Saqib Zulfiqar, who are crucial for the team with both bat and ball.

Bowlers: Kyle Klein, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren and Roelof van der Merwe/Noah Croes

Logan van Beek and Jyle Klein are undoubtedly among the batters who have scored some goals with the bat and can be placed in the category of bowling all-rounders for the Dutch team. Aryan Dutt and Roelof van der Merwe bring a mix of experience and quality spin. Paul van Meekeren, who now plays franchise T20 cricket worldwide, will be crucial with the new ball.

Netherlands plays XI: Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (C/wk), Bas de Leede, Saqib Zulfiqar, Kyle Klein, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren and Roelof van der Merwe/Noah Croes.

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