ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan defeats Netherlands by 81 runs
The ODI World Cup has kicked off in some style with Pakistan defeating the Netherlands. Here is a recap of the match.
The Netherlands’ brave fight goes in vain as they lose to Pakistan in the second game of the tournament. Pakistan won by 81 runs, interestingly, this is their first win in India in ODI World Cup. Here is a recap of the second innings.
Pakistani bowlers control the powerplay
Defending 286 runs, the Pakistani fast bowlers were expected to make early inroads. Hasan Ali picked up the first wicket dismissing opener Max O’Dowd. The fast bowlers couldn’t pick any other wicket but managed to keep the run rate in check. They restricted the Dutch batters to just 47 runs in the first 10 overs.
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Right after the powerplay, Babar Azam introduced spin into the game. In just the second over after the powerplay Iftikhar Ahmed dismissed Colin Ackerman. Bas de Leede and opener, Vikramjeet Singh then shared a 70-run stand. During this partnership, it looked like that the Dutch batters could trouble the Babar Azam-led side.
Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf bring Pakistan back in the game
Shadab Khan dismissed Vikramjeet Singh to break the 70-run partnership. Haris Rauf was then brought back into the attack and his one over brought back the game in Pakistan’s pocket. Rauf dismissed Teja Nidamanuru and skipper Scott Edwards within three balls to put the Netherlands on the back foot. Saqib Zulfiqar too couldn’t make any difference and was caught leg before wicket from a Shaheen Afridi delivery.
Bas de Leede still stood at one end but he ran out of partners at the other end. Leede was dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz after scoring 67 runs in 68 balls hitting six fours and two sixes. Roelof van der Merwe was run out while he was trying to catch a quick single. Aryan Dutt was the ninth batter to be dismissed. The number 10 batter, was bowled by a delivery from Hasan Ali which was too good for him.
With this win Pakistan have made sure that they do not repeat the same mistake they did in 2019 World Cup. They lost out on the semi-final spot in 2019 due to their Net Run Rate. A win by 81 runs would ensure that there Net Run Rate remains superior than most teams.