Captain Babar Azam was visibly content after a big win over Netherlands in their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 opener, despite the Dutch team giving them a scare with their strong fight in Hyderabad on Friday (October 6).
Babar lauded his bowlers for their performance after Pakistan kicked off their Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign with an 81-run win over the Netherlands in Hyderabad. Notably, Pakistan successfully defended their 287 target by bowling the Netherlands out for 205 in 41 overs.
Babar Azam said during the post-match presentation: “Pretty satisfied, credit to the bowlers, the way they started well and the way we took wickets in the middle overs. Our bowlers bowled very well, we stuck to our plans, Haris bowled quick and took wickets.”
He added, “We lost three wickets, but the way Rizwan and Saud batted put pressure on the Netherlands. Saud built his innings and played well. He has improved a lot.”
Meanwhile, Netherlands captain Scott Edwards was disappointed with the loss against Pakistan. He said, “Firstly, a little bit disappointing. Think we bowled and fielded really well. Credit to Pakistan, they batted well in the end. Felt the total was par, and we felt we were in the game when we were on 120.”
Edwards lauded Bas de Leede for his all-round effort against Pakistan. De Leede scalped four wickets for 62 runs and then played a brilliant knock of 67 runs that went in vain.
He added, “Bas de Leede is fantastic in all three departments of the game. Just needed someone to go with him. We were in a pretty good position. They just took a few wickets in the middle there.”
On the other hand, Saud Shakeel, who was adjudged the Player of the Match for his 68, said that he was working hard on his batting for the past few months, which has paid off well.
Shakeel said, “I tried to be positive and score runs for the team. Nerves were there, we lost 3 wickets but I was fortunate enough to get early boundaries. We knew the pressure would go back to them if we got a start. I think the last 2-3 months I've been playing hard, I knew I'd bat number 5 for Pakistan and have been developing my shots according to that - sweeps and reverse sweeps.”
(With PTI Inputs)
