INDIA: Pakistan (PAK) secured a commanding 81-run victory over the Netherlands (NED) in their opening match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Pakistan’s resilience overcomes early hurdles
Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan faced a challenging start with a top-order collapse, losing wickets early in the innings. However, their resilience and determination shone through as Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan led the rescue mission.
Both batsmen displayed exceptional form, contributing 68 runs each to steady the ship for PAK. The late-order charge was bolstered by Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan, who chipped in with crucial 30-plus scores. PAK managed to post a competitive total of 286/10 in their allotted 49 overs.
Netherlands’ promising start fizzles out
In response, the Netherlands began their chase with promise as openers Vikramjit Singh and Bas de Leede played some scintillating strokes. Vikramjit Singh displayed his class, notching up 52 runs off 67 balls before being dismissed by Shadab Khan.
Bas de Leede also impressed with a well-compiled 67 off 68 deliveries before Mohammad Nawaz cleaned him up. However, the Netherlands struggled to maintain their momentum as PAK bowlers tightened their grip on the game.
Pakistan’s bowling brilliance seals the win
Pakistan’s bowlers, backed by an impressive total, executed their plans brilliantly. The spin duo of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz proved to be the difference-makers, picking up crucial wickets and restricting the Netherlands’ scoring.
With disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, PAK managed to bundle out the Netherlands for 205 runs in 41 overs, securing a convincing 81-run victory.
Pakistan: 286 (Shakeel 68, Rizwan 68, de Leede 4-62)
Netherlands: 205 (de Leede 67, Singh 52, Haris 3-43)
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