World Cup 2023: Babar Azam credits bowlers after 81-run win over Netherlands

Pakistan got their ODI World Cup campaign up and running with a comfortable 81-run win against Netherlands on Friday in Hyderabad. The bowlers set up the win by bowling out Netherlands for 205 in 41 overs after scoring 286 all out.

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“Pretty satisfied, credit to the bowlers, the way they started well and the way we took wickets in the middle overs,” Babar said during the post-match presentation.

“Our bowlers bowled very well, we stuck to our plans, Haris bowled quick and took wickets,” he said.

While batting, Pakistan once again endured batting collapses in a repeat of their show at the Asia Cup. It came at the top of the order and again in the middle after a 120-run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan (68 off 75) and Saud Shakeel (68 off 52) for the fourth wicket.

“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,” the skipper said.

Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards rued the chance lost.

“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,” he said.

For Netherlands, Bas de Leede was the star performer by taking four wickets for 62 runs and then returned to score 67 runs.

“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,” he said.

Saud Shakeel was adjudged Player of the Match for his batting show in the middle that turned the game around for Pakistan.

“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,” he said.