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
22.4
FOUR! Vikram Singh to Saud Shakeel. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, well timed in the air under control past long off for 4 runs.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
22.3
FOUR! Vikram Singh to Saud Shakeel. Off cutter half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, well timed in the air under control past long off for 4 runs.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
22.1
Vikram Singh to Saud Shakeel. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to deep cover for 1 run, fielded by de Leede.
Pakistan 121-3 (22) Rizwan 45 Shakeel 40, Van der Merwe 0-27 (4)
A great over for Pakistan but a nightmare for Netherlands who are penalised for having one too many fielders outside the circle. Shakeel cashes in and thumps the free hit over the ropes for six.
15 runs coming from that over with a four and a handful of singles as well. Pakistan cruising now.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
21.6
Roelof van der Merwe to Mohammad Rizwan. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to point for no runs, fielded by O'Dowd.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
21.5
Roelof van der Merwe to Saud Shakeel. Stock length ball, middle stump on the front foot working, to deep square leg for 1 run, fielded by O'Dowd.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
21.4
Roelof van der Merwe to Mohammad Rizwan. Stock length ball, middle stump on the back foot working, to long on for 1 run, fielded by Dutt.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
21.2
FREE HIT. SIX! Roelof van der Merwe to Saud Shakeel. Stock length ball, off stump on the front foot Slog, well timed in the air under control over long on for 6 runs.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
21.2
FOUR! Roelof van der Merwe to Saud Shakeel. Stock length ball, off stump down the track flick, well timed in the air under control past deep mid wicket for 4 runs.
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