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.
Netherlands 150-5 (30) De Leede 61, Zulfiqar 4, Shadab 1-33 (7) target 287
Another boundary for De Leede as he squirms the first ball of Shadab’s over behind square for four.
But now there’s some concern! Some quick hands from Rizwan to take off the bails but De Leede just gets his boot back over the line in time. A good slice of fortune, there, for the Netherlands.
Just the four off the over as we reach the 30-over mark.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
29.6
Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede. Leg spinner length ball, middle stump on the front foot pushing, to short extra cover for no runs.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
29.4
Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede. Leg spinner half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, mis-timed back to bowler for no runs.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
29.3
APPEAL! Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede. Leg spinner length ball, off stump on the front foot defending, missed for no runs, fielded by Rizwan, appeal made for Stumped.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
29.2
Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede. Leg spinner length ball, middle stump on the front foot defending, to short mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Ahmed.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
29.1
FOUR! Shadab Khan to Bas de Leede. Leg spinner length ball, off stump on the back foot Late Cut, well timed past third man for 4 runs.
Netherlands 146-5 (29) De Leede 57, Zulfiqar 4, Rauf 2-35 (7) target 287
149km per hour from Rauf! That is quick...
But it doesn’t matter to De Leede as he takes on the very next bouncer and sends it flying into the stands for six! Remarkable shot.
The Netherlands still have some fight in them yet - nine runs off that over.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
28.6
Haris Rauf to Saqib Zulfiqar. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to silly mid on for no runs, fielded by Nawaz.
Pakistan vs Netherlands
28.5
Haris Rauf to Bas de Leede. Length ball, outside off stump on the back foot dropped, to third slip for 1 run, fielded by Rizwan.
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