Dhaka, Feb. 7 -- Pakistan defeated the Netherlands by 3 wickets in their opening match of the T20 World Cup in Colombo on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 147, Pakistan required 29 runs from the final two overs with only three wickets remaining. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf secured the victory, scoring an unbeaten 29 off 11 balls to earn the Player of the Match award.

In the critical 19th over bowled by Logan van Beek, Faheem struck three sixes and a four to take 24 runs. He was dropped on the second ball of the over by Max O'Dowd. Pakistan chased down the remaining 5 runs in the final over with three balls to spare.

T20 World Cup Opener: Pakistan opt to bowl first vs Netherlands

Earlier in the innings, Pakistan appeared comfortable at 98 f...