Pakistan end Women’s World T20 campaign with dominant 37-run win over Netherlands

Pakistan’s Fatima Sana (C) celebrates a goal with teammates (Getty Images) Pakistan bowed out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026 with a convincing 37-run win over the Netherlands at the County Ground on Saturday, a disciplined bowling performance that saw the tournament debutants for just 89 in 18 overs.Captain Fatima Sana led from the front with an excellent spell, finishing with figures of 3-12, including a remarkable triple-wicket maiden that put the game beyond the Netherlands’ reach. Ayesha Zafar provided excellent support as she took 3-13 as Pakistan ended their campaign with a win to finish fifth in Group A.Chasing the Pakistan target, the Netherlands made an encouraging start through Heather Siegers, who played positively from the start. The opener smashed five boundaries as he took on Sadia Iqbal, Fatima Sana and Diana Baig, taking him to 24 off just 16 deliveries. However, Pakistan hit back when Diana fooled Heather with a slower delivery that trapped her lbw. The decision was upheld after DRS confirmed the call on the spot.The Netherlands suffered another setback soon after when Phebe Molkenboer was eight short after Eyman Fatima’s sharp direct hit at short leg. Sterre Kalis then joined captain Babette de Leede in a bid to settle the innings, but Pakistan’s spin attack gradually grew stronger. Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan dried up scoring opportunities and Sterre eventually departed for 12 after chopping Nashra on her stumps while attempting a cut shot.Babette continued to battle 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-timer Ayesha Zafar. However, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained excellent control and Ayesha turned the match decisively in her team’s favor early on. She trapped Robin lbw before having Sanya Khurana caught without scoring and then removed Frederique Overdijk who took a catch straight at cover for six.Any hopes of a late revival vanished after a bizarre escape involving Iris Zwilling. Babette’s straight drive deflected off her batting partner at the non-striker’s end, leaving Iris stranded in the middle of the field. Ayesha was quick to react, picking up the ball and throwing it past the keeper to complete the unusual shutout.With a lower order exposure, Fatima Sana completed the job in style. The Pakistan captain dismissed Babette de Leede, who top-scored with 30, before the clean bowling of Silver Siegers and Caroline de Lange to complete her brilliant spell and seal a comfortable victory. Heather Siegers contributed 24 for the Netherlands but it was not enough to stop Pakistan ending their World Cup campaign on a positive note.