Hyderabad, India – In a thrilling encounter at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, the Netherlands showcased their bowling prowess to halt Pakistan at 286 runs, thwarting Babar Azam’s ambitions of posting a 300-run total in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Pakistan’s batting lineup continued to struggle as the Netherlands bowlers struck early, putting pressure on the Men in Green. Despite the efforts of Hassan Ali and Shadab Khan to revive the momentum after the fall of the sixth wicket, back-to-back dismissals left Pakistan in a precarious position.

Earlier in the match, Iftikhar Ahmed was sent back to the pavilion for a mere 9 runs following a crucial partnership of over 100 runs between Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. The Dutch bowlers disrupted Pakistan’s efforts to rebuild the innings after the quick dismissals of top-order batsmen.

In the toss, Netherlands emerged victorious and elected to field first, a decision that eventually paid off. Pakistan’s top batters, including Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Imam-ul-Haq, succumbed within the first 10 overs, leaving the team at 38/3.

Fakhar Zaman was the first to depart, and Babar Azam also fell cheaply after attempting a leg-side shot. Later, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan’s impressive 120-run partnership brought Pakistan’s total to 162 before Aryan Dutt of the Netherlands dismissed Saud.

Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards, explaining his decision to bowl first, believed that batting under the stadium lights would be advantageous. He expressed optimism about his team’s performance against the Green Shirts, citing their recent encounters with Pakistan.

In response, Pakistani skipper Babar Azam expressed his intent to set a target between 290-300 runs, emphasizing his team’s determination to bounce back.

This encounter marks the seventh meeting between Pakistan and the Netherlands in an ODI, with Pakistan securing victory in all six previous encounters. Pakistan’s impressive performance in the lead-up to the 50-over World Cup has positioned them as strong contenders, thanks to a remarkable win-loss ratio and consistent performances from key players.

Playing XI:

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf

Netherlands: Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (wk, c), Saqib Zulfiqar, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren