Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel’s anchoring half-centuries, a combined bowling effort helped Pakistan defeat the Netherlands by 81 runs to begin a triumphant ICC World Cup 2023 campaign.
Pakistan beat Netherlands: Being given the opportunity to bat first, Pakistan was only able to score 286 runs, which was below standard.
With only 38 runs scored in 9.1 overs, Pakistan’s top three batsmen Fakhar Zaman (12), Imam-ul-Haq (15), and Babar Azam (5) were out.
Young Saud Shakeel joined wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan at the crease after the dip, and the two mounted an incredible comeback.
By putting Pakistan back in control with a 120-run stand for the fourth wicket and both making half century, Rizwan and Saud batted with tenacity.
Aryan Dutt dismissed Shakeel in the 29th over after Shakeel had scored a quick 68 in 52 deliveries, which included nine boundaries and a six. This provided the Netherlands with a much-needed breakthrough.
In the 32nd over, Mohammad Rizwan followed him back to the dugout. He continued to be Pakistan’s joint leading scorer with a 75-ball 68 that included eight boundaries.
When Bas de Leede caught Iftikhar Ahmed (9) behind the wicket in the same over, Pakistan suffered a further setback and dropped to 188/6.
Then, all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan formed an essential partnership for the seventh wicket, adding 64 runs to the total.
“Pakistan’s Batting Collapse and Netherlands’ Bowling Dominance in ICC World Cup 2023 Opener”
Through the permitted number of overs, the pair had Pakistan in control of the batting, but in the 44th over, Bas de Leede struck once more to remove Shadab, which let the floodgates open.
With the help of two boundaries, he scored 32 off of 34 deliveries.
After hitting a 43-ball 39, Pakistan lost two more wickets quickly, including their captain Mohammad Nawaz, who returned.
Before Ackermann stumped Shaheen Shah Afridi, tailenders Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi contributed significantly to the total with their 19-run partnership, condemning Pakistan to a subpar total in their ICC World Cup 2023 campaign opener.
However, With 4/62, Bas de Leede led the Netherlands’ bowling attack. Ackermann was second with 2/39, and Dutt, Logan van Beek, and Paul van Meekeren each claimed one victim.