OUT! Babar Azam’s stunning catch rocks Netherlands in T20 WC opener | VIDEO

Colombo: Babar Azam produced a stunning piece of fielding as Pakistan claimed a crucial wicket against the Netherlands in their T20 World Cup Group A opener on Saturday.

Michael Levitt attempted a big hit off Mohammad Nawaz, but Babar sprinted to the boundary, grabbed the ball, and threw it back in time for Shaheen Afridi to complete the catch. The third umpire confirmed Levitt was out for 24.

Earlier, Salman Mirza had removed Max O'Dowd for 5, leaving the Netherlands reeling at 79/3 after 10 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz, have kept the Dutch under constant pressure. Bas de Leede and Colin Ackermann now face the task of steadying the innings.

Also read | Will Bumrah be rested today? India’s bowling plan for IND vs USA T20 World Cup opener

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had opted to bowl first after winning the toss at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

Lineups: Netherlands: Michael Levitt, Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (c), Zach Lion-Cachet, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren.

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.

The Pakistan government has instructed its national team to boycott its Feb. 15 Group A game against co-host India, a decision that shook the cricket world only six days ago.

Also read | Ind vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 preview: India to begin title defence at Wankhede

The ICC has since requested the Pakistan Cricket Board to reconsider the decision; otherwise, it will forfeit the marquee game of the tournament.

If Pakistan goes ahead with its boycott against India, it can ill afford to lose points in its three other Group A games, a group that also features the U.S. and Namibia.