Netherlands’ Max O’Dowd reveals Instagram hate storm led by Indian fans after Faheem Ashraf miss

Pakistan pulled off a thriller against the Netherlands in the opening game of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The match went to the wire despite Pakistan staying ahead in most of the game. Faheem Ashraf stood tall between the Netherlands, upsetting the Men in Green. However, during the 19th over, Faheem Ashraf was dropped by Max O'Dowd, who was criticised for dropping the vital catch.

In the 19th over, when 29 were needed off 12 balls, Logan van Beek came back good after being struck for a six of the first ball, as Faheem Ashraf mistimed the shot while striking for a six, and the ball went up to long on with Max O'Dowd fielding in the position dropped the catch, as the former took that chance and finished off getting 24 runs.

Netherlands' Max O'Dowd's missed catch became costly

The match went away from the Netherlands after that costly dropped with Pakistan winning the game by three wickets with three balls to spare. After the game, Max O’Dowd was slammed by the fans, especially the Indian fans, and was subjected to vulgar words against him. The Netherlands batter shared his view ahead of their ongoing game against Namibia.

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Max O'Dowd said to the Indian Express, “Some of the comments were quite harsh, something that should never be said to anyone.” “It seems that Indian fans were angrier with me than the Dutch supporters,” he added. Pakistan had a small collapse from 98/2 to 114/7 but got over the line, thanks to Faheem Ashraf's small cameo.

Fans gets raged makes vulgar comments to Max O'Dowd

A look at the comments under the batter’s posts shows remarks such as Bro, you’re a professional player, how can you drop that easiest catch?” and “Bhai pakad lete catch bikhari pehle din hi bahar ho jaate” (Brother, you could have completed the catch, Pakistan would have knocked out on the first day itself). These comments can be presented as the other comments were explicit, and there was usage of more vulgar words.

Netherlands star Max O'Dowd concluded, saying, "We had a chat about things after the game, not just that catch. We could have done a lot of things better. We thought we were a bit short with the bat as well."

India vs Pakistan off the field-rivalry

India and Pakistan fans don’t miss the chance to troll each other if they lose against minnow countries. However, the Indian fans have the better of the Pakistan fans as Salman Ali Agha’s side has been the side that gets trolled often after they falter in games against the smaller nations.

In the previous edition of the World Cup, the Men in Green lost to the co-hosts USA, in the super over. After that, they had to face trolls and criticism from the Indian fans, their fans, and former cricketers as well. In the same competition, they could not even chase down the target of 120 runs against their arch-rival,s putting in more trolls on social media.

Pakistan will once again be taking the field against the USA today, who almost created an upset against Suryakumar Yadav’s side as they showcased an amazing brand of cricket against the reigning champions.

Also Read: India vs Pakistan drama: BCCI breaks silence after Pakistan government backtracks on T20 WC boycott