Saud Shakeel and Mohammed Rizwan score half-centuries - Match 2 Review
October
6, 2023: Almost
the entire current Pakistan team, barring two players, has never played in
India. Babar Azam in his all-captains interaction had brushed aside the query
that Indian conditions would be alien to them, considering all other countries’
players had at some time played IPL or bi-lateral cricket here. The Pakistan
skipper exuded confidence of similarity of Asian conditions, thus the disadvantage
would be nullified.
Well, to
be fair, their first match opponents Netherlands were no better either, they
have little or no experience of Asian conditions, not just Indian conditions.
The added
advantage of being stationed in Hyderabad for over a week and having played two
warm-up matches in the Rajiv Gandhi international stadium put Pakistan in a
better position against the relatively weaker opponent in their tournament opener.
The
giant-killing Dutch, with their exploits in the qualifying rounds, came with higher
expectations. They didn’t disappoint much with their bowling and batting thanks
to all-round exploits of Bas De Leede. Restricting Pakistan to 286 in 49 overs
was the perfect start to their tournament, De Leede picking up 4 wickets.
Mohammed Rizwan and Saud Shakeel’s half centuries saved the blushes for the
1992 champions. Barring the half centuries by the opener Vikramjit Singh and big hitting Bas De Leede, Netherlands players looked short of big match experience. For most part of the Netherlands innings, it looked like the chase was under control.
As far as Pakistan are concerned, the 81-run victory could prove vital at the later stage of the tournament, with Net Run Rate coming into play.
Overall, Pakistan had a unexciting day at the office. Given the format, they would have to play much better against the Test playing nations. Babar Azam must live up to his comparison with the Fantastic 4 and bring his A-game batting along with the frontline bowlers. They did get away with the average bowling performance against the Dutch. The hosts India along with Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa will be tougher opponents and this game is below par to think of any chance to make it to the semi-finals.
- Venkat, Team Pure Cricket
------------------------------
Pics: Internet
No comments:
Post a Comment