Pakistan vs Netherlands World Cup 2023 match marked Pakistan’s beginning of its campaign in this World Cup. It was a contest that wasn’t flawless but was ultimately satisfactory for the Pakistani team. It was a match marked by sporadic moments of brilliance intertwined with periods of uncertain performance. Both teams had their moments of dominance but eventually, Pakistan rose as the better team on the day.
Pakistan vs Netherlands World Cup 2023 – 2nd Match – Hyderabad – 06 October 2023
Pakistan vs Netherlands World Cup 2023 – Overview
Babar Azam’s squad secured an 81-run victory over the Netherlands, despite the exceptional all-round performance by Bas de Leede. The 23-year-old all-rounder emerged as a solitary force against Pakistan at times. Still, thanks to noteworthy half-centuries from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan posted a total of 286. Pakistan possessed ample bowling prowess, with Haris Rauf making a significant impact during the middle overs, consistently keeping the game just out of reach for the Dutch side.
Pakistan vs Netherlands World Cup 2023 – Pakistan Innings
During the initial powerplay, the Netherlands proved to be a formidable opponent, opening with spin that troubled Pakistan’s left-handed openers. Unfortunately, Fakhar Zaman failed to show signs of returning to form, offering an easy catch to Logan van Beek. The Dutch side gained further momentum with two wickets falling in just five balls towards the end of the powerplay. First, Babar Azam couldn’t capitalize on a loose delivery from Colin Ackermann and sent the ball to short midwicket. Then, a bouncer from Paul van Meekeren proved challenging for Imam-ul-Haq, leading to a catch at fine leg.
Unlike past instances where Pakistan’s middle order struggled after the top-order dismissals, this time, Pakistan’s middle-order batsmen took charge after being reduced to 38 for 3. Saud Shakeel, a late addition to the World Cup squad, displayed exceptional batting skills and stability alongside the consistently reliable Mohammad Rizwan. Their partnership gradually shifted the momentum in favor of Pakistan, and soon, runs and boundaries began to flow.
Saud Shakeel, once considered too conservative for shorter formats, showcased his prowess by reaching a 32-ball half-century without taking unnecessary risks. He adeptly dispatched full deliveries from fast bowlers down the ground and exhibited impeccable footwork against spinners. It was a display of technical brilliance that effectively restored Pakistan’s control. Their partnership reached a century, putting Pakistan back in the driver’s seat.
However, the partnership faced a setback when Saud Shakeel was dismissed, edging a delivery from Aryan Dutt. This wicket allowed the Netherlands to regain some momentum. Shortly after, Mohammad Rizwan, who had played a crucial role in the partnership, was dismissed by a brilliant delivery from de Leede, who later also claimed the wicket of Iftikhar Ahmed in the same over.
A resilient 64-run partnership between Pakistan’s spin-bowling all-rounders, Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan, guided Pakistan to a more comfortable position, helping them cross the 250-run mark and ensuring a competitive total. However, the Netherlands, led by de Leede, continued to strike back with wickets, eventually bowling out Pakistan for 286 in 49 overs.
Pakistan vs Netherlands World Cup 2023 – Netherlands Innings
The Netherlands displayed a strong start despite the early loss of Max O’Dowd. Hasan Ali dismissed him with a well-directed short ball that was caught at deep fine leg. Vikramjit Singh aggressively took on Pakistan during the powerplay, while Ackermann joined him before a hasty shot off Iftikhar led to his departure.
Throughout the Dutch innings, poor shot selection was a recurring issue, but the partnership that followed the early wickets troubled Pakistan. Bas de Leede, the standout performer, took on the role of the aggressor, smacking a remarkable six off Mohammad Nawaz over long-on, clearly expressing his intentions. Singh, who experienced a brief slump in the middle, regained his form alongside de Leede and continued to exert pressure on Pakistan, even hitting a six off Shadab.
However, de Leede’s dismissal came soon after he reached his half-century, as a bottom edge found the fielder at cow corner off a delivery from Shadab. From that point, the game began to slip away from the Netherlands’ control. Haris Rauf, returning for a middle overs spell, struck twice in three balls, shaking the Dutch innings. A short ball was pulled to midwicket by Teja Nidamanuru, followed by the dismissal of captain Scott Edwards, trapped in front. Haris had a chance for a third wicket the next delivery, but Iftikhar dropped a straightforward catch at first slip. Nevertheless, Pakistan had firmly taken control of the game.
Despite de Leede’s continued resilience, the lack of support from the other end and Logan van Beek’s hamstring issue hindered the Netherlands’ progress. Shaheen Afridi dismissed Saqib Zulfiqar, and Mohammad Nawaz removed de Leede, with a bit of extra turn knocking back his off-stump.
Logan van Beek contributed with some hits during a last-wicket stand with Paul van Meekeren, taking the Netherlands past the 200-run mark and reducing the margin of defeat to double digits. However, the final wicket was claimed by Haris Rauf, cleaning up van Meekeren with a bail-trimmer, sealing an imperfect yet decisive win for Pakistan.
Saud Shakeel was declared player of the match for his brilliant fifty.
Pakistan vs Netherlands World Cup 2023 – Conclusion
Pakistan will be happy to finally get some momentum after consecutive losses since Asia Cup. However, there is ample room for improvement, and with two points and a healthy net run rate secured, Pakistan has three days to prepare for their upcoming clash against Sri Lanka, also in Hyderabad.
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FAQs – Pakistan vs Netherlands World Cup 2023
Question-1: How did Pakistan perform in their opening match of the 2023 World Cup against the Netherlands?
– Answer: Pakistan secured an 81-run victory over the Netherlands in their opening match of the 2023 World Cup. While the performance was not flawless, it was satisfactory for the Pakistani team.
Question-2: Who were the standout performers for Pakistan in the match against the Netherlands?
– Answer: In the match against the Netherlands, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan stood out as key performers for Pakistan. Saud Shakeel impressed with a 32-ball half-century, while Mohammad Rizwan played a crucial role in partnership with him.
Question-3: How did the Netherlands’ innings unfold in response to Pakistan’s total?
– Answer: The Netherlands started strongly despite losing Max O’Dowd early. Vikramjit Singh and Bas de Leede formed a partnership that troubled Pakistan, but poor shot selection and wickets in quick succession allowed Pakistan to regain control.
Question-4: Who was declared the “Player of the Match” in the Pakistan vs. Netherlands World Cup 2023 match?
– Answer: Saud Shakeel was declared the “Player of the Match” for his brilliant performance, which included a quick half-century.
Question-5: What is Pakistan’s next fixture after their victory against the Netherlands, and where will it be held?
– Answer: After their victory against the Netherlands, Pakistan’s next fixture is against Sri Lanka, and it will be held in Hyderabad. Pakistan has three days to prepare for this upcoming clash.
