‘Isko bhi upsets me count karna chahiye’ – Fans react as Pakistan open their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign with 81-run win over Netherlands

Pakistan emerged victorious over Netherlands in the 2nd clash of the ODI World Cup 2023 by a margin of 81 runs in Hyderabad. The match, which took place on Friday, October 6, witnessed some exhilarating moments that kept cricket fans stuck to their TV screens as the Netherlands gave a tough fight to the Men in Green but it wasn’t enough to beat them.

Asked to bat first after losing the toss, Pakistan managed to post a competitive total of 287 runs in their innings. This feat was largely due to the outstanding performances of Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, both of whom notched up brilliant half-centuries. 

Their partnership added crucial runs to the scoreboard, and both scored 68 runs each. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz also played their part, combining effectively to contribute valuable runs toward the end of Pakistan’s innings. Bas de Leede was the standout bowler for the Netherlands, claiming 4 important wickets.

Bas de Leede’s knock went in vain

Chasing the target, the Netherlands made an impressive start to their innings. Vikramjit Singh’s fluent and aggressive batting style put Pakistan on the back foot, as he dispatched anything loose with ease. However, they also lost their first 2 wickets on just 50 runs. 

And, despite Vikramjit’s promising partnership with Bas de Leede, the Dutch team began to lose wickets in quick succession. This sudden loss of wickets increased the pressure on them significantly. De Leede, who had been instrumental for the Netherlands throughout the match, continued to stand strong at one end. 

His well-made 67 runs kept the hopes of a historic chase alive for the Dutch team. Unfortunately, the Netherlands struggled to find significant contributions from other batters. Despite a late attempt by Logan van Beek to swing his bat around, the Dutch ultimately fell short of the target by 81 runs. Haris Rauf was the highest wicket-taker for Pakistan picking up 3 wickets in 9 overs while conceding just 43 runs.

Here’s how fans reacted:

https://twitter.com/AnujDeswal013/status/1710320712291168404

https://twitter.com/AjayTweets07/status/1710320768784207974

https://twitter.com/kohlifanvishal/status/1710320761276383493

Fluke win against mighty Nederland

— Shivani (@shivani_45D) October 6, 2023

Well played dutchmen

— Secular Chad (@SachabhartiyaRW) October 6, 2023

Tv Bach Gaye

— Shivani (@shivani_45D) October 6, 2023

https://twitter.com/deucesofclub/status/1710320920357634100

https://twitter.com/Beingsayedul/status/1710321002432143862