SriLanka, Feb. 7 -- Faheem Ashraf pulled off a late blitz as Pakistan narrowly escaped a Netherlands upset, winning by three wickets in Colombo on Saturday.

Pakistan looked in control early, racing to 61 for two, with Sahibzada Farhan smashing 47 off 31. But a sudden collapse put them on the ropes - needing 29 from 12 balls with three wickets left.

Faheem exploded in the 19th over, hitting three huge sixes and surviving a crucial drop to guide Pakistan home. His unbeaten 29 off 11, along with a 34-run partnership with Shaheen Afridi, sealed a tense victory with three balls to spare.

The Netherlands had shown flair themselves, posting 127 for four, with Scott Edwards anchoring the innings. But late breakthroughs from Abrar Ahmed, Saim A...