'I kept praying for him to drop it': Faheem Ashraf after lifeline helps Pakistan dodge T20 World Cup upset

Faheem Ashraf slammed an unbeaten knock of 29* off 11 balls as Pakistan clinched victory in their T20 World Cup opener against Netherlands.

Updated on: Feb 8, 2026, 06:21:28 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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With 23 runs needed off 11 balls, Pakistan almost suffered a devastating blow in their T20 World Cup campaign. Faheem Ashraf was dropped in a huge moment with Pakistan at 125/7. Ashraf needed to be the finisher as the Netherlands began to expose Pakistan's tailenders, and a defeat would see them get knocked out of the tournament. As Pakistan have decided to boycott their group-stage game against India, they need to win all their other matches to qualify for the next stage.

Pakistan's Faheem Ashraf plays a shot against Netherlands. (AFP)

Received a full toss from Logan van Beek, Ashraf went high and to the right of long-on. Max O'Dowd almost had it, but the ball popped out of his grasp, and he couldn't hold onto the rebound. In the next ball, Ashraf smacked a six, high over mid-off, followed by a dot. The over ended with an 89m six and a four.

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It proved costly, as Pakistan needed only five runs in the last over. It began with a single and then dot. Then in the third ball, Ashraf wrapped up proceedings with a four.

‘I kept praying for him to drop it’: Faheem Ashraf

Speaking after the match, Ashraf said, "When the ball was in the air, I kept praying for him to drop. We wanted to finish it quickly but sometimes it happens that your team collapses. In such situations, you have to keep your nerves under control. If you look at our team, even when we don’t play well, we keep our nerves in check, and because of that we get good results."

Chasing 148 runs, Pakistan reached 148/7 in 19.3 overs, winning by three wickets. Sahibzada Farhan missed out on a half-century, registering 47 off 31 balls. Meanwhile, Faheem Ashraf slammed an unbeaten knock of 29* off 11 balls. Initially, a three-wicket haul from Salman Mirza restricted the Netherlands to 147 in 19.5 overs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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