Pakistan signed off from the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with a convincing 37-run win over the Netherlands at the County Ground on Saturday, produced a disciplined bowling performance to bowl out the tournament debutants for just 89 in 18 overs.Captain Fatima Sana led from the front with an outstanding spell, finishing with figures of 3-12, including a stunning triple-wicket maiden that put the game out of reach for the Netherlands. Ayesha Zafar provided excellent support by claiming 3-13 as Pakistan ended their campaign on a winning note to finish fifth in Group A.Chasing Pakistan’s target, the Netherlands made an encouraging start through Heather Siegers, who played positively from the start. The opener smashed five boundaries while taking Sadia Iqbal, Fatima Sana and Diana Baig, runs to 24 from just 16 deliveries. However, Pakistan struck when Diana fooled Heather with a slower delivery that trapped her lbw. The decision was upheld after the DRS confirmed the call on the field.Holland suffered another setback soon after when Phebe Molkenboer was run out for eight after a sharp direct hit from Eyman Fatima at fine short leg. Sterre Kalis then joined captain Babette de Leede in a bid to steady the innings, but Pakistan’s spin attack gradually tightened its grip. Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan dried up scoring opportunities, and Sterre finished for 12 after clipping Nashra on his stumps as he attempted a cut shot.Babette continued to struggle alongside Robine Rijke as the pair relied mainly on singles and doubles to keep the chase alive. Babette found the boundary on several occasions, including twice against part-time spinner Ayesha Zafar. However, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained excellent control, and Ayesha soon turned the match decisively in her team’s favour. He trapped Robine lbw before having Sanya Khurana stumped for no score and then removed Frederique Overdijk, who cut a catch straight to cover for six.Any hope of a late revival vanished after a strange run-out involving Iris Zwilling. Babette’s right-back returned his batting partner at the non-striker’s end, leaving Iris stranded in the middle of the field. Ayesha reacted quickly to gather the ball and throw it to the wicketkeeper, completing the unusual dismissal.With the least order exposed, Fatima Sana completed the job in style. The Pakistan captain dismissed Babette de Leede, who top-scored with 30, before clean bowling Silver Siegers and Caroline de Lange to complete their superb spell and seal a comfortable win. Heather Siegers contributed 24 for the Netherlands, but it was not enough to prevent Pakistan from ending their World Cup campaign on a positive note.
