PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction Today, 1st Match T20 World Cup 2026: Playing XI, Fantasy Team, Pitch Report, and Best Picks for Pakistan vs Netherlands

The scene is set for an exciting start towards the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan is a perennial force and a formidable opponent, faces the lively Netherlands. The opening match promises an intriguing battle of styles as well as an important beginning for both sides. The match will take place at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on the 7th of 7 February 2026, and the action will begin at 11:15 AM IST. Pakistan will be playing with a team that is brimming with top talent, combining powerful batting and a devastating spin attack and speed. They’re the obvious favorite with a winning probability of between 75 and 80 percent. However the Netherlands have earned reputation as giant-killers, famous for their grit and their ability to create major disruptions on the international stage. Their performances will be watched closely because they could alter the dynamics of the group at the beginning.

This match marks the start of the Group A campaign, a highly competitive group that includes cricketing giants India as well as Namibia as well as the USA. An early start is crucial for any team that hopes to make it to the knockout stages. The surface at the Sinhalese Sports Club is anticipated to be a surface that is conducive to batting especially in the initial innings. So, the captain who won the toss will likely decide to bat first to record an impressive total. While the surface assists batters, it provides spinners with help when the game gets more intense, making middle overs an important part of the game.

For fans of fantasy cricket This fixture provides an abundance of opportunities. Making the ideal PAK to NED Dream11 team demands a thorough understanding of matchups between players and the pitch conditions. The success of a Dream11 strategy relies heavily on identifying top all-rounders who can perform with both ball and bat. For instance, players like Shadab Khan are a great choice due to their spin bowling ability. will benefit from the Colombo pitch’s unique characteristics in the middle overs, while their lower-order hitting can add crucial points to your fantasy. This article will offer an extensive guide that will help you create an effective T20 World Cup 2026 fantasy team. We will go into match specifics including pitch analysis, head-to-head records as well as player statistics. We will also give expert fantasy advice and samples of teams to help you get an edge.

PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction: Match Details

Prepare yourself for the opening match of the T20 World Cup 2026. Here are the most important information you need to know about this exciting game. This information is crucial in deciding your PAK against NED Dream11 team as well as keeping ahead of the pack.

• Match: Pakistan vs Netherlands, 1st Match, Group A, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
• Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
• Time: 11:00 AM IST / 5:30 AM GMT / 11:00 AM Local Time
• Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Live streaming: In India, you can view the live stream on Star Sports Network. For streaming via digital you can tune into Hotstar. Fans of fantasy sports can follow the latest updates live on FanCode.

Weather Forecast The weather forecast for Colombo is predicted to be hot and humid with temperatures ranging between 28degC and 32degC. There is a low probability of rain, meaning we can expect a complete uninterrupted game. The conditions are perfect for a high-scoring match and is an important factor in the success of your Dream11 prediction and constructing your T20 World Cup 2026 fantasy team.

PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo Pitch Report & Venue Analysis

Knowing the pitch is the foundation of a successful Dream11 strategy and the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) located in Colombo is a fascinating test. The historical record suggests that the SSC is regarded as a batting heaven with a the best bounce and carry that allow batters to hit their shots freely, particularly when they are in the initial innings. It is likely to be a rumble in the beginning when the ball hits the bat in a perfect way. However, the shape of the surface changes as the game gets underway. It can slow down and bring spinners to the game and making stroke-play more difficult the second game. This is a crucial aspect when you are constructing your PAK vs NED Dream11 team.

The toss is a major factor in this. With the pitch likely to be at its peak for batting first the captain who wins the toss is likely to decide to bat first in order to put a dominating total on the table. The anticipated first innings score is between 165-175, which can prove to be a tough chase. Recent T20 matches in Colombo have reaffirmed this trend, as teams batting first have enjoyed some advantage.

Let’s take a look at the most important T20 figures for this stadium:

Metric	T20 Stats
Matches Played	110
Bat First Wins	48 (44%)
Bowl First Wins	52 (47%)
Avg 1st Innings Score	148
Avg 2nd Innings Score	146.8
Run Rate	7.37
Pacer Wickets %	45.36%
Spinner Wickets %	53.64%

The most striking stat is the distribution of wickets. With spinners taking up 53.64 percent of wickets, it’s evident that they’ll be a major factor especially in the middle of overs. This is a great statistic to your T20 World Cup 2026 fantasy team. Buying high-quality spinners from both sides can be a smart move. Although the fresh ball could favor pacers however, spinners will determine the course of play after the initial powerplay has ended. Therefore, focus on top-order batters who can benefit from the new pitch and spinners who could cause havoc in the future.

PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction: Head-to-Head Records

When looking at the past data from your PAK vs NED Dream11 prediction The numbers paint an impressive picture of the dominance that Pakistan has enjoyed. When it comes to the T20 International format, these two teams have met only twice with the Men in Green emerging victorious on both occasions. Their latest T20I match at the T20 World Cup 2022 in Perth saw Pakistan win comfortably with a 6-wicket victory, while chasing the modest score with ease.

Although the number of players for T20s is limited however, previous encounters with other formats offer important information to help you make the Dream11 prediction. The ODI series in 2024 showed Pakistan’s impressive batsman advantage, where their top order was consistently outscoring the Dutch attack. But it is important not to undervalue the Netherlands. The Dutch team has a track record of thrilling performances at major tournaments, most notably causing a stir in South Africa in 2022, and they have players who are adept at turning games its upside.

Top Performers in PAK vs NED Encounters

The identification of players who consistently perform well in this particular matchup is crucial to create an effective T20 World Cup 2026 fantasy team. This table highlights the best runners from recent head-tohead battles across formats providing you with an edge in statistics to make your picks.

Player (Team)	Runs	Strike Rate	Wickets
Babar Azam (PAK)	222	80.73	–
Tom Cooper (NED)	193	82.83	–
Fakhar Zaman (PAK)	138	85.19	–
Bas de Leede (NED)	110	67.90	–

Babar Azam’s consistent performance is a common captain’s choice in a lot of fantasy leagues, whereas Fakhar Zaman’s fast start is crucial. On the Dutch side, even though Tom Cooper has been a reliable scorer, the all-rounder Bas de Leede has a dual worth. His ability to rack up runs and take wickets makes him an effective asset, even though the strike rate against Pakistan has been a bit lower. Although Pakistan is the top statistical choice but fantasy managers should be aware of Netherlands important impact players who are able to thrive under pressure.

PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction: Team News and Analysis

The most important aspect of any Dream11 prediction is an in-depth analysis of the teams. Understanding the team’s composition as well as recent form and possible playing XIs will assist you in making the right decisions regarding your T20 World Cup 2026 fantasy team.

Pakistan Team News

Pakistan is participating in the tournament under the direction of Salman Ali Agha, who has a well-balanced and formidable team. Their strength lies in their stellar top order that includes the dependable Babar Azam and the explosive Fakhar Zaman. They can make a difference to any opponent. Bowling is also effective with the world-class speed of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah as well as the skilled spin team comprising Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz. This diversity can be an extremely dangerous team in any conditions. However, one of their weaknesses is the sturdiness of their middle order. It has been shown to show vulnerability under stress in the past.

Pakistan Full Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.

Predicted XI:
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.

Netherlands Team News

The Netherlands is guided by the highly skilled wicketkeeper Scott Edwards. Their team is a mix of talent and experience that makes them a very dangerous opponent. Their greatest strength is their depth of players, which includes players such as Bas de Leede, Logan van Beek, and the veteran Roelof van der Merwe offering options for bat and ball. This versatility helps them to the ability to balance their game and adapt to various match situations. The spin department also provides an array of options. The team’s biggest challenge will be battling Pakistan’s high-quality pace attack. The Dutch top order is vulnerable to the speed and swing of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah which can put their middle line-up under immediate pressure. How they handle the powerplay will be crucial to their overall success.

Netherlands Full Squad:
Scott Edwards (c/wk), Colin Ackermann, Noah Croes, Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O’Dowd, Logan van Beek, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Saqib Zulfiqar.

Predicted XI:
Max O’Dowd, Michael Levitt, Vikramjit Singh, Bas de Leede, Scott Edwards (c/wk), Colin Ackermann, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Timm van der Gugten, Paul van Meekeren, Fred Klaassen.

PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction: Key Players & Must-Picks for PAK vs NED Dream11 Team

Making the right selection of players is the key difference between a winning and a losing fantasy team. For the PAK against NED Dream11 match the strategy should shift heavily on all-rounders and steady players who are able to score points across several departments. Given the pitch conditions at the Sinhalese Sports Club–batting-friendly early on but favoring spin later–players with dual roles are gold mines for your T20 World Cup 2026 fantasy team.

This is a thorough analysis of the most important players for your fantasy team and categorizing them according to the potential impact they could have and their function in the game.

The All-Rounder Advantage: Maximizing Dual Points

In T20 cricket, all-rounders form the core of any winning Dream11 strategy. In this particular match the spin-friendly conditions of middle overs boost the value of spin-bowling players for all-rounders by a significant amount.

Shadab Khan (PAK) is perhaps the most important player to choose for this game. As vice-captain of the national team Shadab Khan plays in the middle order, and also bowls a full allotted four overs. The ability to score wickets during the middle of the pitch when the pitch slows as well as his ferocious batsmanship makes him an ideal candidate for the Captaincy. You can expect him to score 90plus fantasy points.

Bas de Leede (NED) is the lifeblood of the Dutch side. He is an all-rounder, who bowls medium speed at crucial points and also bats in the top middle order. His consistency in international cricket ensures that he’s never absent from the field. Even if he does miss out by bat, he usually compensates by taking wickets, which makes him a perfect Vice-Captain candidate.

Mohammad Nawaz (PAK) offers left-arm spin control which can be a stifling force for Dutch right-handed players. He’s also a great bat floater that can be promoted to counter spin. His potential to play to the two innings is a secure and a valuable choice.

Top Order Anchors and Power Hitters

You require reliable batters to make a solid foundation to score your fantasy points.

Babar Azam (PAK) is the definition of consistency. His position as anchor implies that he will take long innings of play, and accumulate runs at a healthy strike rate. When a pitch is able to provide real bounce at first, Babar is likely to score huge. He is a typical captain in small leagues because of his high floor. He is able to score at least 70or more points.

Fakhar Zaman (PAK) is the one to beat. In contrast to Babar, Fakhar attacks from ball one. If he is able to survive the powerplay, he will completely destroy the opponent’s attack. He is an extremely risk-y, high-reward player ideal for players looking to distinguish their teams on the Grand Leagues.

Bowlers: The Wicket-Takers

Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK) is a player that cannot be ruled out. The ability of his new ball to spin and bowl deadly yorkers to the end makes him a formidable threat. When playing against an Dutch top order which could struggle with speed, Shaheen could easily pick three wickets, especially in the first or death overs.

Naseem Shah (PAK) is a perfect match for Shaheen perfectly. He is a hard hitter and, when playing on an SSC pitch his bounce can cause problems for batters. Although he might not bowl to the end of the rope however, his ability to pick up wickets in middle overs and powerplay makes him a great choice.

Logan van Beek (NED) is the preferred bowler in the Netherlands in pressure situations. He bowls the tough overs towards the end of the innings and increases his chances of grabbing “garbage wickets” as batters try to get a grip on the ball.

Top Picks Summary Table

Utilize this guide for a quick reference to help you make your Captain (C) and Vice-Captain (VC) selections.

Player	Role	Why Pick? (Avg Fantasy Pts)	C/VC Strategy
Babar Azam (PAK)	Bat	High reliability, consistent anchor. (70+)	Yes (Safe C)
Shadab Khan (PAK)	AR	Wicket-taker, middle-order bat (90+)	Yes (High Value C)
Shaheen Afridi (PAK)	Bowl	New ball swing and death overs expert (80+)	VC
Bas de Leede (NED)	AR	Power-hitter + medium pace wickets	VC
Fakhar Zaman (PAK)	Bat	A rousing opener, match-winner (65+)	Yes (GL Captain)
Scott Edwards (NED)	WK	WK points and a reliable finisher (55+)	No
Mohammad Nawaz (PAK)	AR	Spin control + batting depth (70+)	Yes
Naseem Shah (PAK)	Bowl	The bounce and the pace of play in the SSC pitch (60+)	No

Match Phase Analysis

Powerplay Keys: Watch out for Fakhar Zaman and Max O’Dowd. If Pakistan bats first, Fakhar will look to take advantage of the field’s limitations. O’Dowd is essential for the Netherlands If he gets going, he will set the tone for the team.

Death Over Specialists Shaheen Afridi and Logan van Beek are the reigning kings of the last five overs. The fantasy points earned by wickets during the death overs are astronomical so make sure at the very least one of these pacers are in your squad. By taking care to balance these “Must-Picks” with a few different players, you are set to be successful in the PAK against NED Dream11 contest.

PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction: Dream11 Grand League Teams & Strategy

To be successful in fantasy cricket, you need more than simply picking the best players. It requires you to tailor your PAK vs NED Dream11 teams to the specific competition you’re entering. For Grand Leagues (GL), you need high-risk differences to beat a multitude of opponents and Small Leagues (SL) and Head-to-Head (H2H) contests require safety and regularity.

Below are three highly strategic team combinations that are designed to cover a variety of scenario scenarios of matches for the T20 World Cup 2026 fantasy team.

Team 1: The Mega Grand League (GL) Winner

Structure: 8 Pakistan / 3 Netherlands
Concept: This team assumes that Pakistan is the most dominant, probably to bat first and scoring big or bowling Netherlands out for a small price. It rely on Pakistan’s top order as well as principal wicket-takers.

• Wicket-Keepers: Usman Khan (PAK), Scott Edwards (NED)
• Batters: Babar Azam (C), Fakhar Zaman, Max O’Dowd
• All-Rounders: Shadab Khan (VC), Bas de Leede, Mohammad Nawaz
• Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

Strategy & Logic:
This line-up maximizes the potential points of Pakistan’s core. Babar Azam is the Captain (C) for runs that are guaranteed as well as Shadab Khan is the Vice-Captain (VC) to take advantage of the spin-friendly SSC pitch in the second innings. Abrar Ahmed is the third player to be added. Abrar Ahmed is a risky choice for a differential; as a spinner who is not well-known that could cause havoc to the Dutch lineup in the event that they don’t do their homework. The danger here is not focusing on the Dutch top order (except O’Dowd) taking the early wickets of Shaheen as well as Naseem.

Team 2: Small League & Head-to-Head (Safe Team)

Structure: 7 Pakistan / 4 Netherlands
Concept Safety first. This team is comprised of players with high ownership who are almost certain to perform. It is safe from dangerous punts.

• Wicket-Keepers: Scott Edwards (NED)
• Batters: Babar Azam (C), Fakhar Zaman, Vikramjit Singh
• All-Rounders: Shadab Khan (VC), Bas de Leede, Logan van Beek
• Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Paul van Meekeren

Strategy & Logic:
In smaller leagues, there is no need to be unique. You only need to make sure you don’t fail. Babar and Shadab remain the most secure C/VC options because 60-70 percent of your competition will possess them. We have included Logan van Beek here because he bowls at the end of the day and bats, providing the highest level of security for points. The team is able to balance the bowling attack to ensure that you score points regardless of who is taking wickets.

Team 3: The “Pakistan Chasing” Scenario

Structure: 7 Pakistan / 4 Netherlands
Concept The idea is that if Pakistan bowls first there is a chance that Netherlands scores low (e.g. 120-130). In this scenario the middle order of Pakistan (positions 4 5 6, 6) may not even bat.

• Wicket-Keepers: Scott Edwards (NED)
• Batters: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman
• All-Rounders: Bas de Leede, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz
• Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi (C), Naseem Shah (VC), Abrar Ahmed, Fred Klaassen

Strategy & Logic:
It is a calculated risk to the Dream11 strategy. If Pakistan pursues a small number of points their bowlers (Shaheen and Naseem) have already scored huge points. We classify them as C/VC. We pile the top three Pakistan batters to complete the chase. We deliberately not excluding middle-order batters, such as Salman Ali Agha, as they are unlikely to get enough time in the game to score points.

Important Budget & Tactical Tips

• Credit Management: All teams suggested are designed to fall under the cap of 100 credits. However, players with premium ratings like Babar (9.0+), Shaheen (9.0+) and Bas de Leede (9.0) take up budgets quickly. To offset this search for “credit savers”–players such as Usman Khan and Michael Levitt who might be priced lower (7.5-8.0) but have a huge potential upside.
• The “Chase” Risk: Be cautious about overloading your team Pakistan batters when they are chased by. As we discussed in Team 3, if the goal is small the heavy hitters you have at the bottom of the middle become “dead weight” in your fantasy team.
• Spin Differential: On this particular Colombo pitch Abrar Ahmed or Roelof van der Merwe are great choice for differentials. If the pitch appears dry when you toss it change an additional pacer in exchange for a spinner to gain a advantage over opponents who pick blindly fast bowlers.

With these strategies that cover a variety of outcomes for the game which significantly increases the chances of securing a victory in both the smaller and larger leagues.

PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction: Expert Fantasy Tips & Strategies for PAK vs NED

To be a dominant force in the PAK against the NED Dream11 match, relying on the big names alone isn’t enough. You require a well-thought-out strategy that is able to take into account the particular requirements in the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) and the team dynamic of the 2026 teams. Here are the key points to improve your Dream11 strategy and maximize your points potential.

1. The All-Rounder Rule: Prioritize Versatility

When playing T20 Fantasy Cricket, players who can contribute to two departments are extremely valuable. For this game, aim to fill your team with at least 4 to five all-rounders. As the game is likely end in the middle of the overs, those who are able to bat from No. 4-6 and bowl 3-4 balls provide the most protection. If a player does not perform well at bat, they will be able to be redeemed by using the ball. Bas de Leede as well as Shadab Khan are the only two players that can be considered non-negotiable due to their dual threat ability.

2. Master the Spin Bias

The SSC pitch in Colombo generally slows down, bringing substantial assistance for slower bowlers. A successful T20 World Cup 2026 fantasy team should consist of three spinners who are top quality.

• The must-haves: Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz are crucial as they understand how to make the most of sub-continental conditions.
• Dutch Asset: Do not ignore Roelof van der Merwe. his expertise and tight lines make him an effective wicket-taking threat on this surface.

3. Smart Captaincy Choices

Your Captain (C) and Vice-Captain (VC) choice should rest on the outcome of the toss.

• If Pakistan Bats First: Lock in Babar Azam as Captain. He thrives on establishing scores as well as anchoring the innings which ensures an impressive base score.
• For Balance: If you are looking for a more secure, condition-proof option, Shadab Khan is the best option. Shadab Khan’s involvement with the game will be guaranteed no matter flow of the game.

4. Players to Avoid & Risks

Be wary of openers that are in a slump such as Saim Ayub. If there’s early signs of moisture or swing issues before the dew begins to set in, openers who are inconsistent are high-risk choices which could result in only a single-digit score. Choose batters with a solid technical background who are able to survive the storm that comes in first.

5. Grand League (GL) Differentials

To be a winner in Mega Leagues, you need players with low ownership that can explode:

• Michael Levitt (NED): A ferocious batter who is able to get quick points on the powerplay.
• Abrar Ahmed (PAK) is a spinner who is not well-known He is not a player on a track that turns. A majority of players will not choose his pacers, which gives you a huge advantage when he takes 2-3 wickets.

Pro Tip: Sign up for the contests before they start! This will ensure you secure your entry fees and allows you plenty of time to consider the line-ups and toss, without the rush of last-minute decisions. By following these specialized strategies, you can position yourself ahead of your competitors to be a winner in this thrilling World Cup opener.

Pakistan vs Netherlands Match Prediction & Win Probability

Based on an in-depth study of team strength and current form, as well as historical head-to-head statistics, Pakistan enters this opening match as the clear favorite. With more quality in their bowling and batting department, Pakistan holds a significant advantage. Their probability of winning this game is around 75%, which is a reflection of their status as a top cricketing nation. While the Netherlands are able to cause an upset, beating Pakistan’s world-class team will be a daunting task.

The toss will play an important part for the Sinhalese Sports Club. The captain who wins the toss will probably choose to bat first, taking advantage of the new bat-friendly surface, and then make a competitive total. However Pakistan’s recent success in run-chases make them a formidable opponent, regardless of the outcome of a toss. Their batting team is adept at pacing an entire innings, creating dangerous chasers. This ability to adapt is a crucial aspect for our Dream11 prediction.

The predicted score: We are expecting Pakistan bat first and putting up an average of 170/6. In response to this, the Netherlands are likely to put up an impressive fight, but ultimately fail, settling for 155/8.

Bold prediction: Pakistan will win the match by a lopsided distance of at least 20 runs, earning two crucial points to start their T20 World Cup 2026 fantasy team campaign. This prediction should inform your selections for the PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction Today Match, favoring the Pakistani-dominated team.

PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction T20 World Cup 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some commonly asked questions that can assist you in creating the most efficient PAK against NED Dream11 team for the first match of the T20 World Cup 2026.