ODI World Cup 2023: Match 2: Pakistan vs Netherlands Preview – Pitch conditions, probable playing XI

In the second game of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, Pakistan and Netherlands will play against each other on October 6. For the first time since the 2003 World Cup, both teams will play each other in ODI WCs. In that game, the Green Brigade won by nine wickets with 202 balls remaining. After this, they played each other in a three-match ODI series in the Netherlands last year.

Some fans might reminisce about the equation they had during the T20 World Cup last year. The Dutch beating South Africa ensured that the Asian side was alive for the semis race. The 1992 World Cup winners didn’t disappoint the European side and managed to reach the semis. Meanwhile, coming back to the ongoing tournament, the former champions look favorite to win this game.

However, given the fickle nature of Pakistan cricket, they can lose to even inferior teams (or shall we say, inexperienced and lower-ranked sides). Zimbabwe can attest to this fact if they have to. Also, not to forget, the Shaheens have had a horrific warm-up phase with the ball as they seem to have lost their mojo with the loss of Naseem Shah.

Pitch Report

Talking about the wicket at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, it has hosted two warm-up games, all played by Pakistan. However, it won’t have wear and tear as the curators have gotten enough time to prepare a good wicket. If the Netherlands put up a competitive score batting first, it won’t be a surprise as Pakistan doesn’t seem to have any answer on flat surfaces.

Probable Playing XI

Pakistan: – Given the kind of opposition they are facing, Fakhar Zaman might get a nod ahead of Abdullah Shafique even though the former has struggled for runs. Apart from this, Shadab Khan will get another go with Netherlands players not having the best of reputations against leg-spin bowlers.

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadad Khan, Usama Mir, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz

Netherlands: Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Wesley Barresi, Bas De Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Saqib Zulfiqar, Reolof Van der Merve, Paul Van Meekeren, Logan Van Beek