Colombo: Pakistan’s spinners applied the squeeze at the death to bowl the Netherlands out for 147 in the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Sinhalese Sports Club here on Saturday.

The Dutch were well placed at 127 for 4 with four overs remaining, but Pakistan’s slow bowlers and sharp fielding turned the game decisively. Pakistan conceded just 20 runs in the final four overs, with the spinners sharing six wickets.

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Netherlands captain Scott Edwards top-scored with a composed 37 off 29 balls before falling to leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed while attempting an aerial shot. Abrar finished with figures of 2 for 23, while Mohammad Nawaz also chipped in with two wickets.

Part-time spinner Saim Ayub struck twice in the 17th over, triggering a collapse that was completed by left-arm pacer Salman Mirza, who claimed three wickets as the Netherlands were dismissed with one ball remaining.

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Earlier, Michael Levitt (24) and Bas de Leede (30) provided a steady start, but regular wickets kept the Dutch from accelerating. Pakistan’s fielding stood out, with several sharp catches in the deep backing up disciplined bowling.

Pakistan, who won the toss and opted to bowl, are playing all their group matches in Sri Lanka. The side cannot afford slip-ups in Group A after confirming they will forfeit their February 15 match against India on government instructions.