Picture : ICC/ X
1992 winners Pakistan began their World Cup campaign on a winning note, going past a fighting Netherlands by 81 runs. Pakistan made 286 all out in 49 overs as wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan (68 off 75 balls) and Saud Shakeel (68 off 52 balls) helmed their innings on either side of a batting collapse.
Netherlands were then bowled out for 205 in 41 overs.
On a slightly tacky pitch, Netherlands pacer Bas de Leede (4/62) checked Pakistan’s batters with a good spell.
De Leede then returned to make a brave 67 off 68 balls but Pakistan bowlers led by Hasan Ali and Harris Rauf, who grabbed five wickets among them, warded off Dutch challenge.
The result going Pakistan way satisfied skipper Babar Azam. “Pretty satisfied, credit to the bowlers, the way they started well and the way we took wickets in the middle overs,” Babar said during the post-match presentation.
“Our bowlers bowled very well, we stuck to our plans, Haris bowled quick and took wickets,” he said.
Pakistan suffered two mini collapses in their innings, one at the top of the order and the other one after a 120-run stand off 114 balls between Mohammad Rizwan (68 off 75) and Saud Shakeel (68 off 52) for the fourth wicket.
“We lost three wickets, but the way Rizwan and Saud batted put pressure on the Netherlands. Saud built his innings and played well. He has improved a lot,” the skipper said.
Match: World Cup 2023, 2nd Match
Venue: Hyderabad | Date: October 06, 2023
