This was not the perfect performance of Pakistan Cricket in the ICC World Cup 2023 but a good win. They can play better than this. Eventually, Babar Azam XI won this match by 81 runs and secured 2 points despite Bas de Leede`s all-round performance. But, thanks to Muhammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel scoring fifties, they managed 286. Pakistan’s bowling firepower was overcome by the Netherlands with Haris Rauf taking 3 wickets and middle overs collapse.
Pakistan Batting
Netherlands bowling is dangerous in the first powerplay of Pakistan’s batting. They dismissed their top orders batters for 38 for 3. Fakhar Zaman is the main concern for Pakistan cricket in the ICC World Cup 2023 because he is out of form. Also, his batting technique is exposed. Babar Azam failed to stay for long and Imam ul Haq played a useless shot to give their wicket. Muhammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel came in batting to take responsibility for playing good cricket. The duo scored fifties and maintained a good run rate early top-order collapse. Saud Shakeel is playing well building a better partnership with Muhammad Rizwan. Eventually, Saud Shakeel played the first false shot and cost the wicket. Soon after Muhammad Rizwan was dismissed by Bas de Leede with a superb in-dipper. Bas de Leede removed Iftikhar Ahmed in the same over.
A useful 64-run stand between Muhammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan guided them back to smoother waters, bringing up the 250. But, Bas de Leede in particular kept hitting back wickets. Pakistan all out for 286 runs in 49 overs and Bas de Leed took 4 wickets.
Netherlands Innings
Netherland’s innings started brightly despite the early loss of Max O’Dowd and Hassan Ali dismissed him. But, Vikramjit Singh attacks Pakistan bowlers in the powerplay with Colin Ackermann. Poor shot selection cost the wickets of the Dutch batting lineup. But, the partnership of Vikramjit Singh and Bas de Leede is giving Pakistan a good scare of loss in the ICC World Cup 2023. Pakistan spinner watches Vikramjit Singh for struggling against spinners. Shadab Khan took advantage and dismissed Vikramjit Singh and Fakhar Zaman took the catch. Soon after Teja Nidamanuru played a hook shot and gave their wicket to Haris Rauf. Haris Rauf also trapped the Dutch captain for a duck in the same over.
Bas de Leede struggled and scored fifty but a good spinning delivery from Muhammad Nawaz cost the wicket. On the other hand Dutch batting line all out for 205 runs and lost the match for 81 runs.
End Note
This is a good sign for Pakistan cricket that their key spinners at least took a wicket. But, they need to show consistency in this tournament. Also, the lack of openers is the main concern. So, they hope the duo score runs in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 matches.
