It is time for another blockbuster clash in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Former world champions Pakistan and the ultimate underdogs Netherlands lock horns in the second match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Let us look at Pakistan vs Netherlands match preview, head to head record, probable playing XI and the favorite’s to win the match.
Pakistan vs Netherlands Match Preview
The former world cup champions, Pakistan were had two good outings with the bat in the Warm-up games but their major concern has been the fifth bowling option and the form of their premier spinner Shadab Khan. Shadab hasnt been in the best of form in recent times. The major positives for the men in green is the form of their middle order batters Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz. In lead up to the World Cup, Pakistan lost two of their last ODI matches played. Having played both their warm-up matches at Hyderabad they will be well accustomed to the conditions.
Entering the tournament as the ultimate underdogs, Netherlands return to the ODI World Cup after 12 long years and in the same nation where they last played the tournament way back in 2011. It was a roller coaster ride for the Dutch cricket team. They were out standing in the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe earlier in the year, where they pipped two time World Cup Winners West Indies, to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. In the only warm up match played against the Australia, Netherlands bowlers were at their best but the major challenge for Netherlands will be their batting.
Netherlands are vulnerable against left-arm fast bowlers and wrist spinners, which plays into the hands of one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament. It is going to a tough challenge for Netherlands against the most consistent side in One day internationals in recent times.
Match Details
Pakistan vs Netherlands Pitch Report
The pitch at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad is flat as a track and even track. The pitch got better to bat on as the game progressed in the warm-up games. Batters have always found it easier to bat on at this venue and it is expected to another belter of a track for the first game of the tournament at this venue. As it is a day & night game dew factor will come into play making it easier for the team chasing.
In the last five ODI matches played at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, the team batting first won three matches, while the team batting second won two matches and the average 1st innings score is 278 runs.
Squads
Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.
Netherlands squad: Scott Edwards (c), Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, Vikram Singh, Teja Nidamanuru, Paul van Meekeren, Colin Ackermann, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Ryan Klein, Wesley Barresi, Saqib Zulfiqar, Shariz Ahmad, Sybrand Engelbrecht.
Pakistan vs Netherlands Probable Playing XI
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar-Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.
Netherlands: Scott Edwards, Max O’Dowd, Wesley Barresi, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Roelof van der Merwe, Vikramjit Singh, Saqib-Zulfiqar, Shariz Ahmad, Logan van Beek, Paul van Meekeren
Head to Head Record
Top Fantasy Picks
| Pakistan | Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Bas de Leede |
| Shaheen Afridi | Colin Ackermann |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Logan van Beek |
| Shadab Khan | Vikramjit Singh |
| Usama Mir | Max O’Dowd |
Pakistan vs Netherlands Probable Match Winner
Netherlands enter the contest as the ultimate underdogs and Pakistan are the favourites to win in match 2 of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
