Bristol, June 27 (IANS) Pakistan’s batting effort against the Netherlands in their crucial clash in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the County Ground in Bristol followed a familiar script – promise early on, but a collapse at the death would squander those efforts.

From 102/2 after 15 overs with Gull Feroza hitting 63 not out off 52 balls, Pakistan lost four wickets for just 24 runs to finish at 126/6 in their 20 overs. It leaves the Netherlands a modest target of 127 to chase if they are to get their maiden win in the competition.

The innings began cautiously for Pakistan, before Muneeba Ali struck a couple of crisp boundaries off Iris Zwilling. But Muneeba perished in the fourth over, driving straight to cover off Hannah Landheer for 12. That brought Ayesha Zafar, and together with Gull, the pair stitched a 79‑run stand that gave Pakistan their best phase of the innings.

Ayesha mixed sweeps and lofted drives to score 32, while Gull anchored with patience before opening up with inventive strokes, including scoops and sweeps. But Ayesha’s dismissal, caught at extra cover off Silver Siegers, triggered the slide for Pakistan.

Skipper Fatima Sana followed soon after, pulling Iris straight to deep midwicket. Debutant Eyman Fatima lasted six balls before holing out off Caroline de Lange, and Iram Javed was stumped attempting a charge against Heather Siegers, while Saira Jabeen briefly skied a catch to mid‑off against Iris, who ended up with 2-19, thanks to her tight lines.

Gull, meanwhile, reached her fifty with a sweep behind square, but found little support as wickets tumbled around her. She struck nine fours in her superb knock, but the momentum had drained away by then for Pakistan. Tuba Hassan edged one past the keeper for a boundary, but could not lift the tempo further.

What could have been a total in excess of 140 became 126 for Pakistan, who also equalled their highest of the tournament, but now need to defend it against a spirited Dutch outfit if they are to sign off from the competition on a high.

Brief scores:

Pakistan 126/6 in 20 overs (Gull Feroza 63 not out, Ayesha Zafar 32; Iris Zwilling 2-19, Silver Siegers 1-17) against Netherlands

–IANS

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