Pakistan crush Netherlands after dramatic batting collapse in T20 World Cup

Pakistan finished their T20 World Cup on a high by defeating the Netherlands by 37 runs in a Group A match in Dubai. The win gave Pakistan their second victory of the tournament, while the Netherlands remained winless.

Set a target of 127, the Dutch were well placed at 76-3 before a dramatic collapse saw them lose their last seven wickets for just 13 runs, bowled out for 89 in 17.5 overs.

Earlier, Pakistan posted 126-5 in their 20 overs, anchored by opener Gull Feroza who remained unbeaten on 63 off 48 balls. She was well supported by Ayesha Zafar who made 32 off 27, the pair adding 79 for the second wicket after Muneeba Ali fell early.

The Collapse

• Netherlands slumped from 76-3 to 89 all out in the space of four overs.
• Heather Siegers top-scored with 24 off 16 balls before being trapped lbw by Diana Baig.
• Babette de Leede fought bravely with 30 off 41 but was dismissed by Fatima Sana, who also bowled Silver Siegers next ball.
• Fatima Sana finished with 3-12 and Ayesha Naseem took 3-13, while Iris Zwilling claimed 2-19.
• Caroline de Lange survived the hat-trick ball but was bowled two balls later.

Pakistan's bowlers exploited the slow pitch effectively after Feroza's innings had given them a defendable total. The result meant Pakistan ended their campaign in fourth place in Group A, while the Netherlands finished bottom without a win.