Pakistan set 287-run target for Netherlands to chase

HYDERABAD: In the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s One Day World Cup 2023, Pakistan set a target of 287 runs for Netherlands to chase. This match marked the 13th edition of the World Cup, hosted by India, and it was the second match of the tournament.

After winning the toss, the Netherlands opted to invite Pakistan to bat. Pakistan’s opening pair consisted of Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq. However, Pakistan’s performance at the start of their innings was disappointing.

Opening batsmen Fakhar Zaman scored 12 runs, while Imam-ul-Haq managed to add 15 runs before getting out. The team’s captain, Babar Azam, who came in at number three, also couldn’t provide much support and contributed only 5 runs before being dismissed.

The middle-order batsmen, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, steadied Pakistan’s shaky batting lineup. Both batsmen scored half-centuries and formed a partnership of 100 runs. This partnership helped Pakistan reach a total of 160 runs before they were all out. Pakistan’s innings came to an end, and it was now the Netherlands’ turn to bat.

Taking a look at the lineup, Pakistan’s batting order included Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftekhar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz. In the bowling department, Pakistan had Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali leading the attack.

On the Netherlands’ side, their playing eleven featured Scott Edwards as the captain, along with Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Wesley Barresi, Bas de Leede, Tijjani Nadeemarou, Sharaz Ahmad, Logan van Beek, Teun de Grooth, Paul van Meekeren, and Aryan Dutt.

With a victory in this match, Pakistan would climb to the second position on the World Cup table, provided they can successfully defend their target.