The 2nd match of the ICC Cricket Men’s Worldcup is being played at Hyderabad between Pakistan and Netherlands. Earlier in the game, NED’s skipper, Edwards, invited PCT captain Babar Azam to bat first on a flat-looking track.
Pakistan leave out Shafique, Wasim, Salman and Usama. As expected, Pakistan give another chance to Fakhar but his poor form continues with the bat. Imam ul Haq also proved a sand-wall in fron t of inexperienced bowling line-up.
In brief, the first power play of Match No. 2 of ICC CWC23 proves a nightmare for Pakistani top order as they lost 3 early wickets in the first 10. The below-par batting from Pakistan raises many serious questions as they only put 43 for 3.
Muhammd Rizwan and Saud Shakeel go through rebuilding phase of the innings as they both manage to score their maiden ODI Worldcup fifties. Saud Shakeel becomces the 2nd fastest Pakistani batter to score fifty in just 32 balls whereas Inzamam ul Haq holds the record for fastest fifty for Pakistan in just 31 balls.
Likewise, Muhammad Rizwan also scores his fifty and leads the team’s total to 158 when the 120-run phenomenal partnership comes to and end. Saud Shakeel goes for 68 off 51 and Rizwan follows to the dugout with his 68 off 75.
Pakistan lose 3 quick wickets in the 1st powerplay and 3 wickets in quick succession in the 2nd power play. From 11-40, Pakistan grab 184 for 3 with 6.13.
The onset of the last power play was quite good for Pakistan as Shadab and Rizwan continue to extend the lead for Pakistan. Both of them add 64 runs for the 7th wicket. This is the third time that Pakistan lose triple wickets in quick succession.
Pakistan are bowled out in the 49th over of the 1st innings in the ICC CWC 2023, India after scoring 286. No team has chased down 280+ against Pakistan in the ICC ODI Worldcups as well. Which means that NED have to put up a great show with the bat to chase 287 down.
The pick of the performers for Pakistan are Rizwan and Saud both scoring 68 off 75 and 51 respectively whilst Bas de Leede stuns the Paksitani batters with his variety of seam bowling in the entire innings. In his 9 overs he takes 4 wickets giving away 62 runs with an economy of 6.88.
