In the opening match of the ODI World Cup 2023, Pakistan defeated the Netherlands by 81 runs on Friday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Despite a top-order collapse, Pakistan managed to pile up 286/10 in 49 overs when batting first. With 68 runs each, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel were the backbone of Pakistan’s comeback. With scores of 30 or more, Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan also contributed significantly towards the end.
In response, the Netherlands made a respectable start, with Bas de Leede and starter Vikramjit Singh driving the team forward. Against Shadab, Vikramjit scored 52(67) before being dismissed, and Mohammad Nawaz took care of Bas de Leede for 67(68). In the end, Netherlands were bowled out for 205 runs in 41 overs.
Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel was awarded the man of the match for his brilliant innings of 68 under pressure.