T20 World Cup: Heart rates go up and down, but knew we could take down whatever runs in one over, says Faheem

Faheem Ashraf stars in Pakistan's thrilling T20 World Cup victory, scoring 29 runs in a dramatic chase against the Netherlands.

All-rounder Faheem Ashraf admitted his heart rate was fluctuating during the fag end of Pakistan's nervy yet successful run chase against the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup opener in Colombo on Saturday (February 7, 2026), but said he was confident he "could take down whatever runs in one over".

Ashraf emerged as Pakistan's hero, hammering an unbeaten 29 off just 11 balls, including two fours and three sixes, in a stunning late assault that sealed a dramatic three-wicket victory over the Netherlands.

"We have been playing this brand of cricket for the past year. Heart rates go up and down, it's happened so many times before, we're used to it," the 32-year-old bowling all-rounder said at the post-match presentation.

"Shaheen (Afridi) and I were talking about saving wickets, knew we could take down whatever in one over." Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi remained unseparated in a 34-run stand for the eighth wicket.

Chasing 148 for a win, Pakistan were 90 for 2 at the halfway stage but lost wickets in a heap as they were 114 for 7 in 16.1 overs, needing 34 more runs.

It looked all but over for Pakistan at that stage but walking in at No. 8, Ashraf, who was dropped on 7, had other plans.