First Match T20 World Cup 2026 – Tickets, Teams, Venue & Playing 11
The First Match T20 World Cup 2026 is officially scheduled to take place on February 7, 2026, marking the start of the 10th edition of the global tournament. The opening clash will feature Pakistan taking on the Netherlands in a Group A encounter in Colombo.
Also Check: Pak vs India
This tournament opener is part of a triple header on the first day, followed by West Indies vs Scotland in Kolkata and India vs USA in Mumbai. Fans across the globe are eagerly waiting for the 11:00 AM local time start to witness the beginning of this 55 match cricketing spectacle.
| Match | Fist Match |
| Teams | PAK vs NED |
| Date | 7th Feb 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM (Sri Lanka Time) |
| Venue | SSC Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka |
T20 World Cup First Match 2026
The First Match T20 World Cup 2026 will set the tone for the competition as 20 teams begin their journey toward the final on March 8. Pakistan enters this game as the favorite, looking to secure early points in a group that also includes heavyweights like India.
Both teams have already finalized their 15 member squads, with Pakistan being led by Salman Ali Agha for this edition. The match will provide an immediate look at the strategy and form of these sides as they adjust to the high pressure environment of a World Cup.
Also Check: ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule
PAK vs NED First Match Venue
The historic Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has been selected as the venue for the opening match. This ground is one of the most famous cricket stadiums in the island nation and is known for its batting friendly pitch and traditional atmosphere.
As co-hosts, Sri Lanka will use this iconic venue to welcome thousands of international fans arriving for the tournament opener. The SSC has undergone modern upgrades to ensure a world-class experience for the spectators during the First Match of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan vs Netherlands Squad
The squads for both Pakistan and the Netherlands have been officially announced, featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and young talent. Pakistan has included star batter Babar Azam, Salman Ali Mirza and pacer Shaheen Afridi to lead their charge in the tournament.
| Pakistan Squad | Netherlands Squad |
| Salman Ali Agha (C) | Scott Edwards (C) |
| Babar Azam | Colin Ackermann |
| Usman Khan | Noah Croes |
| Saim Ayub | Bas de Leede |
| Khawaja Nafay (wk) | Aryan Dutt |
| Fakhar Zaman | Fred Klaassen |
| Shadab Khan | Kyle Klein |
| Muhammad Nawaz | Michael Levitt |
| Fashim Ashraf | Zach Lion-Cachet |
| Naseem Shah | Max O’Dowd |
| Shaheen Afridi | Logan van Beek |
| Usman Tariq | Timm van der Gugten |
| Salman Mirza | Roelof van der Merwe |
| Abrar Ahmad | Paul van Meekeren |
PAK vs NED 1st Match Tickets
Tickets for the First Match T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and the Netherlands are now available for purchase through the official ICC ticketing portal. Prices for the opening day in Sri Lanka have been kept affordable to encourage a high stadium turnout.
Also Check: T20 World Cup 2026 Tickets
The starting price for a general stand ticket at the SSC Ground is approximately LKR 1,000, which is about ₹300. Below is a detailed table showing the different ticket categories available for the fans.
| Ticket Category | Price (LKR) | Price (Approx. PKR) |
| General Stand | LKR 1,000 | PKR 950 |
| Reserved Stand | LKR 2,500 | PKR 2,350 |
| Premium Stand | LKR 5,000 | PKR 4,700 |
| VIP/Grandstand | LKR 15,000 | PKR 14,000 |
FAQ’s
The first match is scheduled for February 7, 2026, between Pakistan and the Netherlands.
The match will take place at the SSC Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The match is set to begin at 11:00 AM local time (Sri Lanka Time).
Yes, both Pakistan and the Netherlands have officially announced their 15-member squads for the tournament.
Tickets can be booked online through the official ICC website or authorized partners like BookMyShow.
Both teams are placed in Group A alongside India, the USA, and Namibia.
The starting price for tickets in Sri Lanka is LKR 1,000 (approximately ₹300).
Salman Ali Agha has been named as the captain of the Pakistan team for this edition of the World Cup.
Yes, India will play against the USA in Mumbai on the evening of February 7, 2026.
A total of 20 international teams will be competing in the 2026 edition of the T20 World Cup.
