Pakistan began their ICC World Cup 2023 campaign with a comfortable 81-run victory over the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, India on October 6, 2023.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. They got off to a bad start with Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq dismissed early. However, Mohammad Rizwan (68 runs) and Saud Shakeel (68 runs) put on a 139-run partnership to rebuild the innings. Rizwan and Shakeel were both dismissed in quick succession, but lower-order contributions from Mohammad Nawaz (37 runs) and Shadab Khan (32 runs) helped Pakistan post a total of 286/10 in 49 overs.
Netherlands bowlers Aryan Dutt and Logan van Beek picked up two wickets each.
In reply, the Netherlands got off to a good start with Vikramjit Singh (52 runs) and Bas de Leede (67 runs) putting on a 78-run partnership. However, after the dismissal of de Leede, the Netherlands batsmen collapsed. They were eventually bowled out for 205 runs in 41 overs.
Pakistan bowlers Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali picked up three wickets each.
This was Pakistan’s first win in the 2023 ICC World Cup. They will next face South Africa on October 10, 2023 in Perth, Australia.
Match summary
Pakistan 286/10 in 49 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 68, Saud Shakeel 68, Mohammad Nawaz 37, Shadab Khan 32; Aryan Dutt 2/48, Logan van Beek 2/60)
Netherlands 205 all out in 41 overs (Vikramjit Singh 52, Bas de Leede 67; Haris Rauf 3/37, Hasan Ali 3/33)
Result: Pakistan won by 81 runs
Player of the match: Saud Shakeel (Pakistan)
Analysis
Pakistan’s bowling attack was the star of the show in this match. They bowled disciplined lines and lengths and took wickets at regular intervals. Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali were particularly impressive, both picking up three wickets each.
The Netherlands batsmen made a good start to their chase, but they collapsed after the dismissal of Bas de Leede. Vikramjit Singh was the only batsman to offer any real resistance.
Overall, this was a comfortable win for Pakistan. They will be looking to build on this momentum when they face South Africa in their next match.
