Pakistan marked an assertive beginning of the World Cup 2023 journey, clinching an 82-run victory against the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, India.
Bowlers from Pakistan showcased a dominating performance, keeping a tight leash on the Dutch batsmen and making quick breakthroughs, allowing the Men in Green to register their first World Cup triumph on Indian terrain.
After an initial stable phase, the Netherlands faced a series of rapid dismissals by Pakistani bowlers. Their innings concluded at 205, with Vikramjit Singh and all-rounder Bas de Leede being the top contributors, scoring 52 and 67, respectively.
Pakistan’s bowling unit shared the wickets among them. While Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf pocketed two wickets each, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, and Iftikhar Ahmed contributed with a scalp apiece.
The batting phase saw Pakistan post a formidable score of 286. Despite an early loss of three wickets in the opening overs, the team demonstrated resilience. Captain Babar Azam had ambitions for a 300-run score, but the Dutch bowlers halted their march at 286 in 49 overs.
Saud Shakeel’s rapid half-century and Mohammed Rizwan’s notable contributions bolstered Pakistan’s score. When the team seemed in a precarious situation with six wickets down after 37 overs, vice-captain Shadab Khan stabilized the innings. His patient 22 off 21 deliveries and Mohammad Nawaz’s significant 39 off 43 balls added crucial runs to the total.
Mohammad Rizwan’s 68 and Saud Shakeel’s identical score fortified Pakistan’s stance. Bas de Leede claimed four wickets from the Netherlands, while Colin Ackermann managed two.
Playing XI Roster
Pakistan:
Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf
Netherlands:
Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (wk, c), Saqib Zulfiqar, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren.
