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.
WICKET! Ackermann b Iftikhar 17 (PAK 50-2)
Iftikhar into the attack and strikes with his first ball! Ackermann shifts across his stumps but misses a straight one and he’s bowled.
A bizzare choice of shot from the number three who was looking good whilst he was in. Not what Netherlands would have wanted at all.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
11.1
OUT! Bowled. Iftikhar Ahmed to Colin Ackermann. Off break half volley, middle stump on the front foot sweeping, Play and Miss (Leg Side).
Netherlands 50-1 (11) Ackermann 17, Singh 24, Rauf 0-9 (2) target 287
Rauf back for his second over as he looks to use his pace to generate something out of the pitch and find that crucial second breakthrough,
A couple of sharp bounces that jump up at both Dutch batters who can only manage three runs from that over.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
10.6
Haris Rauf to Vikram Singh. Half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, mis-timed to mid on for no runs, fielded by Afridi.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
10.4
Haris Rauf to Colin Ackermann. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to deep cover for 1 run, fielded by Nawaz.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
10.3
Haris Rauf to Colin Ackermann. Short, outside off stump swayed away Leave, Left for no runs, fielded by Rizwan.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
10.2
Haris Rauf to Vikram Singh. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot Late Cut, to third man for 1 run, fielded by Khan.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
10.1
Haris Rauf to Colin Ackermann. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, mis-timed to deep square leg for 1 run, fielded by Zaman.
Netherlands 47-1 (10) Ackermann 15, Singh 23, Ali 1-20 (5) target 287
Just a few signs that Netherlands may be beginning to click into gear with this run chase. Ackermann clobbers one through the cover region after Ali offers up some welcome width.
A couple of wides and a single brings seven from the over. Ten gone now and Netherlands are doing alright at 47-1.
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