Pakistan vs Netherlands LIVE: Result and reaction as Rauf takes three wickets and Babar Azam’s side win
Pakistan get their World Cup up and running with a convincing 81-run victory over the Netherlands
Pakistan secured a comprehensive 81-run victory against a battling Netherlands to kickstart their World Cup campaign. Babar Azam’s side were in trouble after falling to 38-3 in the early stages but half-centuries from Saud Shakeel and Muhammad Rizwan saw them recover to post 286 after 49 overs.
Netherlands started brightly in their chase as Bas de Leede and Vikram Singh both reached their half-centuries as part of a 70-run stand. But when Singh fell, the Dutch middle order failed to provide support for De Leede who eventually fell for 67, with Scott Edward’s side losing their last 8 wickets for 85 runs as they were bowled out for 205.
Relive all of the match action and catch up on all the reaction below. Get the latest match odds and tips here.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
18.1
Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot Steer, to short third man for no runs, fielded by Afridi.
Netherlands 85-2 (18) De Leede 25, Singh 34, Shadab 0-5 (1) target 287
Pakistan persist with spin after the drinks break but it’s their first-choice option into the attack now as Shadab replaces Iftikhar.
Good rotation of the strike from the Netherlands as they both get a look at the new spinner and five runs from the over.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
17.6
Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede. Googly half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to deep point for 1 run, run save by Azam, fielded by Zaman.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
17.5
Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede. Leg spinner length ball, middle stump on the front foot pushing, to silly mid off for no runs.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
17.3
Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede. Leg spinner length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by ul-Haq.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
17.2
Shadab Khan to Vikram Singh. Leg spinner length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, to deep mid wicket for 1 run, fielded by Zaman.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
17.1
Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede. Leg spinner half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to long off for 1 run, fielded by Shakeel.
Netherlands 80-2 (17) De Leede 21, Singh 33, Nawaz 0-12 (2) target 287
That is a divine shot from De Leede as he effortlessly flicks Nawaz off his pads for six. Pure timing.
Netherlands just picking things up nicely over the last couple of overs. Another ten runs of that over.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
16.6
Mohammad Nawaz to Bas de Leede. Stock ball half volley, middle stump down the track working, to mid wicket for 1 run, fielded by Khan.
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