In the second thrilling match of the World Cup 2023, Pakistan won over the Netherlands easily by 81 runs. It was an exciting match that showcased the resilience and skill of both teams. So let’s take a look at some of the key moments that shaped this thrilling encounter.
Early setbacks for Pakistan
Pakistan, who came to bat first after losing the toss against the Netherlands, did not have a good start. Fakhar Zaman was caught out by Logan Van Beek for 12 runs in the fourth over.
After this, Colin Ackerman of the Netherlands dismissed Pakistan captain Babar Azam for just 5 runs in the 9th over. At this time, the score of the Pakistan team was 34 runs for 2 wickets.
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Powerplay crisis:
The Netherlands maintained complete pressure on Pakistan during the powerplay, and Paul van Meekeren created a stir in the Pakistani camp by taking the wicket of Imam Ul Haq in the 10th over. After scoring 15 runs, Imam was caught out on the ball of Aryan Dutt while trying to play a pull shot. At the end of the powerplay, Pakistan could score only 38 runs for 3 wickets.
Resilience of Rizwan and Shakeel:
After this, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel somehow handled the Pakistani innings and made a very important partnership of 120 runs for the fourth wicket. Saud Shakeel was particularly impressive, scoring 68 runs in 52 balls with the help of 9 fours and 1 six. However, their partnership was broken by Aryan Dutt when Saud Shakeel fell victim to a momentary lapse in decision making and Pakistan’s score was 158 for 4.
Rizwan’s Contribution:
Rizwan continued to dominate the batting and was instrumental in moving Pakistan above 250 runs. He made 68 runs in 75 balls before being bowled while trying a flick shot. Pakistan had a score of 182 for 5.
Late Flourish: Pakistan won over the Netherlands
Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz contributed 64 runs for the seventh wicket to help Pakistan pass the 250-run barrier. Bas De Leede, on the other hand, fired both Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali in short succession. Nawaz made 39 runs with four fours before getting caught on the second ball of the 47th over. Pakistan’s innings ended with 286 runs.
Netherlands’ Struggle: Pakistan Won Over The Netherlands
The Netherlands’ batting team had a hard test against Pakistan’s bowlers while chasing a score of 287. Shaheen Shah Afridi made an early breakthrough, dismissing Shaheen Shah on 28. Ackerman was also bowled by Iftikhar Ahmed after reaching 17 runs.
Stand of Bikramjeet and Bas de Leede:
Bikramjeet Singh and Bas de Leede put on an important 70-run partnership for the third wicket. Bikramjeet contributed significantly, scoring 52 runs with four fours and one six.
Pakistan’s Bowlers Take Command:
Pakistan Won Over The Netherlands with bowlers led by Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali, staged a comeback, however. Haris Rauf grabbed three wickets for 43 runs, while Hasan Ali took two for 33 runs. With a wicket each, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shadab Khan contributed. In the end, the Netherlands were bowled out for 205 runs in 41 overs.
The Position of Bas de Leede and Bikramjeet
70 runs were shared for the third wicket in an important stand between Bikramjeet Singh and Bas de Leede. Bikramjeet contributed significantly by scoring 52 runs on the way to 4 fours and 1 six.
The Pakistani Bowlers Take Charge:
Pakistan Won Over The Netherlands with bowlers and mounted a comeback, led by Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf. Hasan Ali grabbed 2 wickets for 33 runs, while Haris Rauf took 3 wickets for 43 runs. Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi each contributed one wicket. In the end, the Netherlands was dismissed for 205 runs after 41 overs.
Heroics of Bas De Leede
The performance of 23-year-old Bas De Leede, who became the first player to capture four wickets and score 50 runs in a World Cup game, was a standout highlight.
Conclusion:
Due to outstanding bowling, Pakistan’s score of 286 was more than sufficient despite some early difficulties and a lower-order collapse. Pakistan’s confidence will definitely increase as a result of this victory going into the ICC World Cup fixtures, and the tournament’s spectators will have a lot to look forward to.