Game 2: Netherlands Chooses Fielding First Against Pakistan
Scott Edwards, the captain of the Netherlands team, made a strategic decision at the toss, choosing to field first against Babar Azam’s Pakistan. Edwards’ decision was influenced by the expectation that the pitch would become more manageable under the floodlights. Pakistan holds an impressive 6-0 record against the Netherlands in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Despite his participation in the warm-up matches leading up to the tournament, Abdullah Shafique was not included in the lineup. Instead, Pakistan stuck with their regular top three: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, and Babar Azam. In the bowling lineup, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are backed up by Hasan Ali, with Shadab Khan and Mohammed Nawaz providing spin support.
The Netherlands team may not boast big-name players, but they have proven their worth in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023. The Dutch team’s recent victories demonstrate their reliance on team effort rather than individual brilliance. Their squad is further strengthened by the availability of several all-rounders.
Team Lineups
Pakistan
Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammed Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammed Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf
Netherlands
Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (c) (wk), Saqib Zulfiqar, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren