Gull Feroza hit an unbeaten half-century but a disciplined Dutch bowling attack fought back to restrict Pakistan to a modest total of 126 in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash at the County Ground in Bristol, England, on Saturday.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana’s decision to bat first proved beneficial as they amassed 126/6 in their 20 overs thanks to the second-wicket partnership between Ayesha Zafar and Feroza.
However, the Green Shirts got off to a shaky start to their innings as they lost left-arm opener Muneeba (12) on the first delivery of the fourth over with just 15 runs on the board.
After the early stutter, Ayesha joined Feroza in the middle and the duo combined sensibly to put together 79 runs for the second wicket at a brisk pace, laying the foundation for a big total.
The Silver Siegers finally broke the stand in the 14th over as she avenged Ayesha after being hit for a six off the first delivery. The right-handed batsman walked back after scoring 32 off 29 deliveries with the help of two fours and a six.
With Ayesha’s dismissal, Pakistan captain Fatima decided to promote herself and went out to bat at No.4, but the move did not pay off as she could muster three before falling victim to Iris Zwilling in the 16th over.
Pakistan then suffered another setback in the next over when Eyman Fatima, making her first appearance in the Women’s T20 World Cup, was sent back by Caroline de Lange for a six-ball duck.
Heather Siegers added another blow to Pakistan’s batting charge in the penultimate over by dismissing Iram Javed, who could make two off just five deliveries, while Zwilling struck again in the final over, removing Saira Jabeen (five).
Meanwhile, Feroza carried his bat throughout and returned from top scoring with an unbeaten 63 off 52 deliveries with nine fours.
Zwilling was the standout bowler for Holland as she took two wickets for 19 runs in her four overs, while Hannah Landheer, Heather, Silver and de Lange claimed a scalp each.
