Pakistan beat the Netherlands by 81 runs to open their World Cup campaign in Hyderabad on Friday, after half centuries from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan.
Pakistan’s Rigid Middle Order secures them the match in the ICC CWC 2023
Pakistan struggled at first after being obliged to bat first but eventually managed to score a respectable total because to two excellent fifties from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, as well as some late contributions from Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan.
With a four-wicket haul, Bas de Leede was the standout bowler for the Netherlands, followed by Colin Ackermann, Aryan Dutt, Logan van Beek, and Paul van Meekeren, who each claimed two wickets.
Again, it was Bas de Leede and Vikramjit Singh who demonstrated some tenacity while chasing, but they needed much more from the other batsmen to contend with Pakistan’s top-notch bowling.
Pakistan, on the other hand, would have preferred a higher performance but would still be content that they completed the task. Shaheen Afridi had some trouble with the new ball, but Hasan Ali played superbly and made the crucial opening strike.
Iftikhar Ahmed’s first delivery resulted in a wicket, proving that Babar Azam’s decision to give him the ball was the right one. But after that they allowed Netherlands to establish a partnership and regain the initiative in the match.
Shadab Khan broke that stand, and Haris Rauf worked his magic with the old ball to take two wickets in a row to put them back in control. Iftikhar dropped a sitter, which should have been three in the same over but didn’t really harm them that much.
Afridi added another after that. They were having trouble getting rid of Bas de Leede, but Mohammad Nawaz delivered a sweet pass that did the trick and brought them within two points. The remaining wickets were taken for them by Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf, who also ended the game.
Netherlands’ poor start gave Pakistan an advantage
Pakistan won admirably to kick off their World Cup campaign. It was far from simple, though, as Netherlands really gave it their best with bat and ball. Ultimately, though, the Men in Green’s quality proved to be a little bit much for them.
Max O’Dowd was lost early, thus Netherlands did not get off to the start they desired. For a while, Colin Ackermann and Vikramjit Singh helped to steady the ship, but the latter was unable to remain on board for very long.
However, once Bas de Leede entered the field, he immediately appeared to be in excellent form. He and Singh then put together a solid partnership of 70 runs, scoring both of their half-centuries in the process.
The Netherlands were able to get back into the game as a result, but Singh was removed from the game immediately after reaching fifty, which caused them to briefly collapse, going from 120 for 3 to 158 for 6.
De Leede, who was their only hope, attempted to fight a solitary battle at the other end, but with little assistance, he soon died as well. Logan van Beek delivered a few lusty knocks at the end to keep the tail alive for a while, but finally they were outscored by 81 runs.
Pakistan Kick-start their World Cup Campaign with a Win
Pakistan’s World Cup campaign got off to a victorious start on Friday as they defeated a valiant Netherlands team by 81 runs.
Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper batsman, scored 68 runs off 75 balls, and Saud Shakeel, who scored 68 runs off 52 balls, both on either side of a batting collapse, helped Pakistan to 286 all out in 49 overs. After that, Netherlands were dismissed for 205 runs in 41 overs.
Bas de Leede of the Netherlands (4/62) halted Pakistan’s batters with a strong spell on a slightly sticky pitch.
De Leede later made a valiant 67 off 68 balls when he came back, but Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Hasan Ali and Harris Rauf, who each claimed five wickets, thwarted the Dutch assault.
