The Netherlands are back on the big stage once again. They will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Pakistan on February 7 at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, with the match starting at 11:00 AM IST.
This will be the Netherlands’ sixth consecutive T20 World Cup appearance since 2014, showing how consistent the Dutch side has been at the global level. Led by Scott Edwards, the Men in Orange will look to create an early upset against one of the tournament favourites.
Netherlands vs Pakistan: Match Preview
The Netherlands are placed in Group A, alongside defending champions India, former winners Pakistan, and associate sides USA and Namibia.
Pakistan’s decision to boycott their match against India has made every remaining group game extremely important for them. This gives the Netherlands a golden opportunity to put pressure on Pakistan right at the start.
The Dutch side will take confidence from past performances, having defeated teams like South Africa and Bangladesh in recent ICC events.
Strengths of Netherlands Ahead of Match 1
- Strong and experienced top order
- Multiple bowling options in middle order
- Spin-friendly conditions suit Dutch all-rounders
- Calm leadership under Scott Edwards
Netherlands Playing XI vs Pakistan – Match 1
Probable Playing XI (Quick View)
| Batting Order | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener | Max O’Dowd |
| Opener | Michael Levitt |
| No.3 | Colin Ackerman |
| No.4 | Scott Edwards (c & wk) |
| No.5 | Noah Croes |
| No.6 | Bas de Leede |
| No.7 | Zach Lion-Cachet |
| No.8 | Roelof van der Merwe |
| No.9 | Logan van Beek |
| No.10 | Aryan Dutt |
| No.11 | Paul van Meekeren / Fred Klaassen |
Top-Order Batters: O’Dowd, Levitt & Ackerman
Max O’Dowd
Max O’Dowd has been the backbone of Netherlands’ batting in T20 World Cups.
- T20 World Cup runs: 444 in 15 matches
- Fifties: 5
- European Qualifiers 2025: 204 runs
- Strike Rate: 134+
He will once again lead the batting upfront.
Michael Levitt
Young and fearless, Michael Levitt will open alongside O’Dowd.
- T20I runs: 866 in 25 innings
- Strike rate: 142.20
- Also bowls useful medium pace
Colin Ackerman
The experienced Colin Ackerman brings calmness to the top order.
- Over 200 T20 matches
- T20 runs: 4,615
- T20 World Cup runs: 222 (11 matches)
- Handy off-spin option in Sri Lanka
Middle Order: Edwards, Croes, de Leede & Lion-Cachet
Captain Scott Edwards anchors the middle order and can bat anywhere between No.3 and No.5.
- T20 World Cup runs: 191 (15 matches)
- T20I runs: 1,126 in 73 innings
He is supported by Noah Croes and Zach Lion-Cachet, both of whom impressed in warm-up matches.
Bas de Leede – The X-Factor
Bas de Leede is the most important all-rounder for the Dutch.
- Can bat from No.3 to No.7
- Match-winning medium pace
- Proven performer in ICC events
Lion-Cachet’s off-spin will also be key on Sri Lankan pitches.
Bowlers: Experience Meets Variety
Roelof van der Merwe
Veteran spinner Roelof van der Merwe continues to be a match-winner.
- T20I wickets: 60
- Second-highest wicket-taker for Netherlands
- Useful lower-order hitter
Logan van Beek
Logan van Beek showed excellent form in warm-ups.
- Warm-up vs Zimbabwe: 40 & 3/22*
- Experience across 5 T20 World Cups
Aryan Dutt
Off-spinner Aryan Dutt offers control and economy.
- T20I economy: 6.94
- ODI economy: Under 5
Final Seamer Spot
The last pace slot is likely between Paul van Meekeren and Fred Klaassen, based on conditions.
| Bowler | T20I Wickets |
|---|---|
| Paul van Meekeren | 84 (Most for NED) |
| Fred Klaassen | 43 |
| Timm van der Gugten | 52 |
| Kyle Klein | 28 |
Experience may give Meekeren or Klaassen the edge.
The Netherlands enter this match as underdogs, but with experience, smart all-rounders, and calm leadership, they have the tools to challenge Pakistan. A strong start from O’Dowd and Levitt, combined with spin control in Colombo, could make this opening match far more competitive than expected
