ODI World Cup 2023: Netherlands shocks Pakistan restricting them to 286 runs

The Netherlands started their World Cup campaign on a positive note restricting the number two-ranked team in ODIs, Pakistan to just 286 runs. Here is a recap of the first innings.

Netherlands bowlers rattle Pakistani top-order

After winning the toss, Dutch skipper, Scott Edwards decided to field first. The Netherlands’ fast bowlers posed a lot of questions to the Pakistani top order of Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman and skipper Babar Azam.  Right-arm off-spinner, Aryan Dutt opened the bowling from one while Logan van Beek took the other new ball from the other end. van Beek took the first wicket dismissing Fakhar in the fourth over. Fakhar was deceived by the delivery and was early on his drive and chipped a return catch to the bowler. Colin Ackerman then picked the wicket of number one ODI batter, Babar Azam. Babar had scored just five runs in 17 balls before he was dismissed on the eighteenth ball he faced. Paul van Meekeren picked up the third wicket wicket in the final over of the powerplay dismissing opener, Imam-ul-Haq.

Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel steady Pakistani batting order

Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel joined each other at the crease with the score reading 38-3. Shakeel took the aggressive approach taking the attack to the Dutch bowlers. Rizwan played a second fiddle to Shakeel. The duo shared a 120-run stand before Shakeel was dismissed by Aryan Dutt. Shakeel scored 68 runs in just 52 balls hitting nine fours and one six. 

Shakeel’s wicket triggered another collapse as Pakistan lost three wickets while scoring just 30 runs. Rizwan was bowled by Bas de Leede after scoring 68 runs in 75 balls. Iftikhar Ahmed’s short stay at the crease was ended by de Leede.

Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz looked like they would get Pakistan back on track and shared a crucial 64-run stand for the 7th wicket. Bas de Leede once again came into the attack and took the wicket of Shadab. He then dismissed Hasan Ali on the very next ball to pick up his fourth wicket. Mohammad Nawaz was then run out in the 47th over.