ODI World Cup 2023

‘TV Bach Gaye’ – Fans react to Pakistan’s win over Netherlands in their opening game of 2023 ODI World Cup

Pakistan began their ODI World Cup 2023 with a fine win over the Netherlands on Friday. Babar Azam and his side won the game by 81 runs after the Dutch team nearly gave Pakistan a run for its money.

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Mathew K
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Pakistan, ODI World Cup 2023 (Source: Twitter)

Pakistan began their ODI World Cup 2023 with a fine win over the Netherlands on Friday. Babar Azam and his side won the game by 81 runs after the Dutch team nearly gave Pakistan a run for its money. 

Scott Edwards won the toss and chose to field first. The decision was taken as history suggested that the team chasing had a better chance of winning the game. Pakistani bowling though showed its experience when it mattered and took home the points. 

Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel were the heroes with the bat for Pakistan. With the ball, it was Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali who got the men in green back into the contest. The Netherlands though showed they are no pushovers during the ODI World Cup 2023. 

Pakistan registered a comfortable win after initial hiccups 

The Netherlands team took the upper hand when they took three early wickets. Fakhar Zaman was out for 12 when he offered a simple return catch to the bowler. Skipper Babar Azam was stunned when he was out early after scoring just 5 runs. Imam Ul Haq was out to Van Meekeren when he was done in by the extra pace from the bowler. 

Mohammad Rizwan was the saviour along with Saud Shakeel as the pair added 120 important runs. Both the batters scored 68 runs apiece as they launched a counter-attack. Aryan Dutt got the key wicket of Shakeel and Bas De Leede got the wicket of Rizwan. 

The team in orange looked to make a comeback but Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz dug themselves in. The pair added 64 key runs for the 7th wicket just when the Pakistanis were in trouble. Shadab was out after scoring 32 while Nawaz was run out for 39 as Pakistan were bowled out for 286. 

Chasing 287 to win, Vikramjit Singh scored an impressive 52 runs from 67 balls with 4 fours and a six. Bas De Leede shone with the bat as well as he top scored with 67 runs off 68 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes. The experience of Pakistan came to the fore as they bowled out the Dutch for 205 in 41 overs to win the game. 

Here’s how the fans reacted:

 

Pakistan ODI World Cup 2023