Pakistan Cricket Team has proved its mettle with a well-fought 81-run win against the Netherlands in a thrilling World Cup opener at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Pakistan’s bowlers contributed to a convincing victory after an initial scare during its batting inning.
Pakistan faced early setbacks, losing opener Fakhar Zaman (4) and captain Babar Azam (5) cheaply. However, Mohammad Rizwan (68) and Saud Shakeel (68) anchored the innings, stabilizing Pakistan with a crucial 120-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Their identical half-centuries provided the backbone for Pakistan’s total of 286 in 49 overs, despite Bas de Leede’s impressive bowling figures of 4-62.
In pursuit of 287, the Netherlands showed promise with Vikramjit Singh (52) and Bas de Leede (67) steering their innings. However, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Haris Rauf (3-43), gradually dismantled the Dutch batting lineup. De Leede, who starred with the ball, replicated his success by dismissing key batsmen Shakeel and Shadab Khan (32).
The Netherlands eventually succumbed for 205 in 41 overs, as Pakistan’s bowlers showcased their prowess.
Pakistan stumbled to 43-3 within the first 10 powerplay overs, losing crucial wickets of Zaman and Azam that created an environment of disappointment among Pakistani fans, but Rizwan and Shakeel’s resilient partnership steadied Pakistan’s innings, guiding them to a competitive total.
In the post match comments, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam praised his team’s resilience, stating, “Our bowlers did a fantastic job to defend the total. Rizwan and Shakeel’s partnership was crucial, and our bowlers backed it up with disciplined bowling. It’s a great start to the tournament for us.”
With this victory, Pakistan gains momentum early in the tournament, setting the stage for their upcoming matches.
The Netherlands, despite the loss, displayed glimpses of promise, indicating that they are a team to watch out for in the competition. Cricket enthusiasts can expect more exciting clashes as the World Cup unfolds.
