The Orange Deliver The Blues
The Netherlands, Cricket’s Orange Army gave Pakistan the blues in the second match of the World Cup played out in Hyderabad. Though Pakistan secured an 80-run win at the end of the day, it was not as easy as the margin appeared. The Dutch had their moments in the game where they dominated proceedings, with Pakistan just soaking up the pressure. Eventually, Pak’s bowling came to the rescue and wrestled out the match from the Dutch.
Rizwan and Saud Save The Day
The plucky Dutch were impressive and started well snaring 3 wickets early and pushing Pakistan into a bit of a crisis. Rizwan and the very impressive Saud Shakeel steadied the ship with a 100-plus partnership and brought the match on an even keel. But then Bas de Leede picked a quick 3 leaving Pakistan in disarray again. Eventually, Pakistan laboured to 286 losing all their wickets by the 49th over. For Netherlands bowling out Pakistan was indeed an achievement.
De Leede Holds Fort But Haris Reigns In
In the chase too, the Dutch held the upper hand for a while. Vikramjit Singh played fluently and Bas de Leede once again proved crucial with the bat. Both notching up half centuries. Their partnership was looking ominous and then the re-introduction of Haris Rauf changed the complexion of the match completely and swung it in Pak’s favour. Rauf got 2 in one over ( could have got 3 had Iftikhar not dropped a sitter ) and once Bas de Leede was removed by Nawaz it was curtains for the Dutch, though Logan Van Beek did resist for a while. The tail was cleaned up quickly and Pakistan won a hard-fought battle.
Pak -Some Decisions To Be Made
The match I felt threw more questions for Pakistan especially concerning their top order. Fakhar Zaman looks in awful form. He is grossly tentative and never had a great defence either. He puts the team under pressure and exposes Babar Azam very early in the game putting further pressure on the Pakistan Captain. Against much stronger attacks, it might be difficult to come back after such a poor start. Abdullah Shafique, with a much tighter defence and proven performance in Test Matches, has to come in for Fakhar Zaman in the upcoming matches. Even Imam ul Haq looks out of sorts. Maybe he needs an assured partner at the other end, so that he can play himself in.
A Lot To Work On
Shaheen Afridi did not look threatening enough upfront, which should be a concern for the Pakistan team. Barring Haris Rauf who bowled quick, with precision and venom, the other bowlers did not impress as much. Shadab was better but far away from his best while Hassan bowled well within himself. Against better batting sides, there might be trouble in the offing. A lot to work on for the Pak Team, though they will take this win any day.
The Dutch Have A Future
The Dutch showed some good fight and made a match of it. Aryan Dutt their tall off spinner was impressive too. With consistent exposure to top level competition the Dutch do have a future in International cricket. The have the ability to surprise a few.
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in
Very well written and analysed –the match between a reputed side and the minnows!
Thank you. Really appreciate