Pakistan, Netherlands look to open account before closing campaign

Pakistan and Netherlands have one unfortunate commonality as they head into their final group game, against each other. They've both played four, lost four and have an (E) beside their names on the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 points table. Both will carry the itch to get off the mark, but only one will leave having scratched it.

Netherlands realized their dream of making it to their maiden Women's T20 World Cup, having traversed the rough terrains of multiple Qualifier events. Yet, there will be a sense of disappointment as captain Babette de Leede's dream of securing a direct qualification to the next event by picking two wins has gone unfulfilled. Netherlands may have suffered big defeats along the way, but will still have one last evening to create memories for a lifetime.

For Pakistan, the motivation will be to avoid the ignominy of a winless Women's T20 World Cup. Early exits have been the theme for Pakistan in all 10 editions. But in the seven previous iterations, Pakistan have managed to secure at least one win. The last time Pakistan finished without a point was in the 2010 edition – a statistic Fatima Sana would rather not have attached to her captaincy.

When: Pakistan vs Netherlands, Group A, Match 26, June 27, 2026, 10:30 AM Local Time/ 3 PM IST

Where: County Ground, Bristol

What to expect: UK is currently gripped in a heat wave but morning temperatures in Bristol are expected to be relatively kinder – hovering in the late 20s for the duration of the game. Netherlands' only game at the venue saw them concede 200+ in the first innings. Pakistan haven't played a match there at this tournament.

Regular opener Heather Siegers missed the South Africa game through illness. In her absence, Netherlands paired 21-year-old opener Phebe Molkenboer with another 21-year-old in Sanya Khurana. They excelled in the Powerplay against Shabnim Ismail's attack. Netherlands could retain this exuberance at the top. Isabel van der Woning also sat out the South Africa fixture, with Hannah Landheer replacing her.

Probable XI: Sanya Khurana, Phebe Molkenboer, Babette de Leede (c) (wk), Sterre Kalis, Robine Rijke, Frederique Overdijk, Iris Zwilling, Myrthe van den Raad, Silver Siegers, Caroline de Lange, Hannah Landheer/Isabel van der Woning

After a poor batting show against Australia where they were bowled out for 86, Pakistan could turn to 21-year-old batter Eyman Fatima, who has struck at 150.71 in five T20Is. Senior pros Diana Baig and Rameen Shamim should retain their spots.

Probable XI: Muneeba Ali (wk), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar/Eyman Fatima, Iram Javed, Saira Jabeen, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana (c), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal

• In this tournament, teams have scored at 7 an over in the Powerplay in Bristol. Only Southampton has seen a lower scoring rate (6.37) in that phase.
• Since the start of 2025, Sterre Kalis has scored 1647 runs in 67 T20 innings – the most for Netherlands. For Pakistan, Fatima Sana leads with 764 runs in 22 innings at an average of 50.93 and strike rate of 164.30.

"Yeah, we've had Pierre [de Bruyn] with us the whole World Cup. It's been a great opportunity for him to get to know the players. He's added value with his coaching knowledge throughout the tournament. We're hoping this tournament is to start something for the Netherlands women's team that they can build on. We're hoping that the lessons learned by playing at this level is something they can take into next qualifying tournaments and hopefully many more World Cups. It's great that the players are learning and improving every game." – Netherlands head coach Neil McRae on having his successor Pierre de Bruyn around at the World Cup.