• By Manik Sharma
  • Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:33 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Pakistan secured an 81-run victory over the Netherlands in their opening match of the ODI World Cup 2023, despite a valiant all-round performance from Bas de Leede. While Pakistan's performance had moments of brilliance and mediocrity, it proved to be enough to secure a convincing win.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam looked satisfied post-match. Babar praised the Pakistani bowlers for their effectiveness in the middle overs.

"Pretty satisfied, credit to the bowlers, the way they started well and the way we took wickets in the middle overs. Our bowlers bowled very well, we stuck to our plans, Haris bowled quick and took wickets," Babar said.

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After winning the toss, Netherlands opted to bowl on a flat track. The Dutch bowlers showed promise in the initial powerplay, troubling Pakistan's left-handed openers. The Dutch team gained momentum with two quick wickets towards the end of the powerplay. Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haqfailed both failed to capitalise on the opportunity.

Saud Shakeel, a late addition to the World Cup squad, played a superb innings that stabilised Pakistan's innings alongside the dependable Mohammad Rizwan. Their partnership gradually shifted the momentum back in Pakistan's favour, and soon runs and boundaries started flowing.

"We lost three wickets, but the way Rizwan and Saud batted put pressure on the Netherlands. Saud built his innings and played well. He has improved a lot," Pakistan skipper said after the match.

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Pakistan finished their innings at 286, thanks to valuable contributions from the lower order, especially Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan, as well as Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.

Chasing a target of 287, the Netherlands started positively, with Vikramjit Singh finding the boundary a few times during the powerplay. However, Hasan Ali's dismissal of Max O'Dowd was a turning point.

Bas de Leede and Vikramjit Singh formed a promising partnership for the Netherlands. However, Pakistan's Haris Rauf changed the game with a brilliant spell, taking two vital wickets in a single over.

Despite de Leede's valiant effort, he eventually fell victim to Mohammad Nawaz's excellent delivery. Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali quickly wrapped up the Netherlands' tail, with Logan van Beek scoring some late runs.

"Firstly, a little bit disappointing. Think we bowled and fielded really well. Credit to Pakistan, they batted well in the end. Felt the total was par, and we felt we were in the game when we were on 120," Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards said after the match.

"Bas de Leede is fantastic in all three departments of the game. Just needed someone to go with him. We were in a pretty good position. They just took a few wickets in the middle there," he added.

While the Netherlands showed moments of promise, their shot selection and inability to build partnerships ultimately cost them the match. Saud Shakeel was named the Player of the match for his crucial 68 in the context of the game.