Pakistan bowls first against Netherlands in T20 World Cup opener

Dallas: Pakistan captain called correctly at the flip of the coin and wasted no time in inserting the Netherlands on a sweltering Saturday afternoon that marked the formal start of the T20 World Cup. The decision to bowl first was made moments after the toss, setting the tone for a tournament opener that has already been clouded by political undertones back home.

While the players took their positions on the field, officials in Islamabad confirmed that the team has been instructed to boycott its scheduled group-stage encounter on February 15, adding a layer of uncertainty to Pakistan’s campaign before a single delivery had been bowled. For now, however, attention in the host city remains fixed on the action in front of a lively crowd eager to see the first ball of this year’s competition.

The Netherlands, having prepared for the challenge throughout the week, will look to post a competitive total and test Pakistan’s much-vaunted pace attack under lights. With both sides aware that net-run-rate could prove decisive in a tight group, every over carries extra weight from the outset.

Pakistan, historically strong in global T20 events, will hope an early breakthrough justifies their captain’s choice, while the Dutch aim to spring an upset that would reverberate well beyond the opening night. The result here could shape momentum for the remainder of the group stage, making this inaugural fixture more than a mere curtain-raiser.

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