Pakistan’s bowling unit delivered an improved performance, with fast bowler Haris Rauf standing out by taking three wickets for 43 runs. This excellent bowling display helped Pakistan kick off their ICC Cricket World Cup campaign with an impressive 81-run victory over the Netherlands.
During the game, opener Vikramjit Singh and Bas de Leede both played exceptionally well, each scoring half-centuries and contributing to a 70-run partnership for the third wicket. However, despite their efforts, the rest of the Netherlands’ batting lineup struggled to perform.
Live updates:
Earlier Netherland won the toss and decided to ask Pakistan to bat first.
Before the Netherlands took their turn to bat, they had put up a disciplined bowling effort. They managed to restrict Pakistan to a total of 286 runs in 49 overs. It’s worth noting that the match was played in front of a relatively small crowd of around 5,000 spectators.
This match marked the seventh time Pakistan and the Netherlands faced each other in a One-Day International (ODI). In their previous six encounters, Pakistan had emerged victorious every time. The history between the two teams included their first meeting in the 1996 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
🚨 Playing XI and Toss 🚨
Netherlands have won the toss and decide to bowl first 🏏
Our playing XI for today's match 🇵🇰#PAKvNED | #CWC23 | #DattKePakistani | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/d9tHgvPG4W
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 6, 2023
Pakistan:
Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), 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 (wicketkeeper, captain), Saqib Zulfiqar, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren.
Familiar faces in Pakistan's playing XI, who will bat first today in Hyderabad
What total will they set today against Netherlands? 🤔 https://t.co/bO5Cxj4bcy #NEDvPAK pic.twitter.com/kpyP7Qkw9l
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 6, 2023
