Pakistan were all out for 286 in 49 overs against Netherlands. Their innings was powered by two big partnerships, for the fourth and seventh wicket respectively. Bas de Leede starred for the Dutch with his 4/62.
The Netherlands won the toss and elected to bowl first in their CWC opener in Hyderabad. Being among the two sides qualifying for the marquee event alongside Sri Lanka during the World Cup Qualifiers earlier this year, the Netherlands were coming off with confidence on their back. Against Pakistan, they showed why they wanted not to be treated as the underdogs.
The Pakistani openers, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, alongside Captain Babar Azam, were sent packing inside the first ten overs, with the scorecard reading 38 for three at one stage. Keeper-batter Mohammed Rizwan and youngster Saud Shakeel brought Pakistanās innings back on track with a healthy stand.
De Leede finished with 4-62 to bring the Netherlands back into the game after Shakeel struck an attractive 52-ball 68 and Rizwanās 75-ball 68 boosted Pakistan after they were sent in to bat.
Known for upsetting bigger teams in ICC events, the Netherlands will aim to chase down 287 and start their World Cup campaign on a high.
