Pakistan on Friday managed to win the cricketing minnows, the Netherlands, by 81 runs, starting their World Cup campaign with a win.
Batting first, the team led by Babar Azam were all out for 286 in 49 overs. Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan both scored 68 runs each, helping Pakistan recover after the side was reduced to 38-3 in 9.1 overs. Bas de Leede finished an impressive spell of 4-62.
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In reply, the Netherlands could only manage 205 in 41 overs with de Leede emerging as the top scorer. He made 67 from 68 balls while India-born Vikram Singh made 52 from 67 balls.
Haris Rauf picked up three wickets for Pakistan, while Hassan Ali scalped two wickets.
In the next two matches on Saturday, Bangladesh will take on Afghanistan, while South Africa will lock horns with Sri Lanka.
Reacting to his performance, Shakeel said that he was pleased with his performance. He said that he was determined to stay positive to make the Netherlands nervous.
“I’ve been working very hard in the last few months..Thanks to the coaching staff, who gave me confidence,” he said.