The stage is set for a thrilling encounter on October 6 as Pakistan faces off against the Netherlands in their first game of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup at Hyderabad’s renowned Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. Both teams will be eager to kick off with a victory.
Team Pakistan, led by the talented Babar Azam, has faced a rough patch lately, while the Dutch side, often seen as the dark horses, has shown that they can challenge and even upset big teams. Remember when they stunned the West Indies in the qualifiers? That victory gave them a spot in this World Cup’s main event.
Recent Performances
In the Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan sailed into the Super Four stage but faced a massive defeat by India. Their journey was cut short by a rain-affected match against Sri Lanka. Naseem Shah’s injury was another setback, leading to Hasan Ali’s inclusion in the World Cup team.
Pakistan’s prep matches had mixed results. They posted a commendable 345 against New Zealand, with notable performances by Azam, Rizwan, and Shakeel. However, they failed to defend the total. Their match against Australia also ended in disappointment, despite Azam’s quickfire 90.
On the other hand, the Dutch team had a memorable qualifier campaign in July 2023. After beating the mighty West Indies, they finished second by outplaying Scotland. Sadly, rain played spoilsport in their warm-up matches against Australia and India, both ending without results.
Previous Encounters
Pakistan and the Netherlands have met six times in ODIs, with Pakistan winning every time. The Dutch will be eager to rewrite this record.
Players to Watch
For Pakistan, all eyes will be on captain Babar Azam. His impeccable form, including two fifties in the practice matches, makes him the player to watch. Shaheen Shah Afridi, with his deadly left-arm pace, is another critical asset.
For the Netherlands, Logan van Beek stands out. He played a pivotal role against the West Indies in the qualifiers. Recently, his bowling caught attention, bagging crucial wickets in the warm-up. Additionally, his batting has been on the upswing.
Probable XIs
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi.
Netherlands: Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Wesley Barresi, Scott Edwards (C), Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Colin Ackermann, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Ryan Klein, Shariz Ahmad.
Prediction:
Though the Netherlands is in good shape, overcoming Pakistan, especially with a star like Babar Azam, is a tough ask. It’s likely that Pakistan will secure a win, boosting their morale for upcoming challenges against strong teams like Sri Lanka, India, and Australia.
Conclusion:
The upcoming match promises to be a tantalizing affair, with both teams looking to set the tone for their World Cup campaign. While Pakistan, with its blend of experienced and young talents, holds the upper hand on paper, the unpredictable nature of cricket means the Dutch side can’t be counted out. Regardless of the outcome, fans worldwide can expect a cricketing spectacle filled with drama, excitement, and memorable moments. The journey of passion and dreams begins, and we’re all in for a treat!
