Pakistan’s eagerly-awaited World Cup campaign in India begins with an easy one. Up against Babar Azam’s side in Hyderabad are the Netherlands. Incidentally, the European side’s last World Cup appearance was also in India, in 2011.
Despite their much-vaunted pace attack falling short in the warm-up matches against New Zealand and Australia, Pakistan possess a formidable line-up. The in-form Babar, along with Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed, performed well in the warm-ups, boosting the confidence of the batting order.
Babar’s batting was instrumental in Pakistan’s ascent to the No 1 position in the ICC ODI rankings, which they recently conceded to India. However, Pakistan face challenges in resolving opening issues, with Fakhar Zaman struggling for form, putting extra pressure on fellow opener Imam-ul-Haq and senior batters like Babar and Rizwan.
Having said that, Pakistan are still a formidable batting unit in these conditions. Spinners Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz are as good as all-rounders, adding depth to the line-up. The Netherlands match is an opportunity for them to fine-tune.
All eyes will be on Pakistan’s bowling, and how they deal with the injury-induced absence of strike bowler Naseem Shah. They still have Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. The third seamer’s slot will go to Hasan Ali. It will be interesting to see whether Naseem’s absence upsets the balance of the attack.
The performance of the spinners, notably leggie Shadab, was not the best at the Asia Cup. Leg-spinner Usama Mir displayed promise in the warm-up matches, but it’s unlikely that Pakistan will drop a senior player like Shadab at the start of a World Cup.
It’s been two decades since the Netherlands faced Pakistan in a 50-over World Cup match. That was in 2003, when Pakistan secured victory by 97 runs in Paarl, South Africa. Tim de Leede was a part of that Dutch side. Fast forward to the present day, his son Bas de Leede is ready to take on Pakistan. He is one of their brightest prospects.
In batting, the Netherlands will lean on the likes of Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Teja Nidamanuru and De Leede. These players excelled during the World Cup qualifiers earlier this year. In different conditions and against Pakistan’s formidable bowling, their batting will face a stern test.
On the bowling front, the Netherlands will look up to pacers Logan van Beek, Paul van Meekeren, De Leede, Ryan Klein and the spin trio of Shariz Ahmed, Aryan Dutt and Roelof van der Merwe. Their bowling was impressive in the warm-up game against Australia. They can carry some confidence from the fact that they claimed seven wickets in that game.
Time and venue details
October 6 from 14:00 IST. Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad
Expected conditions
It is likely to be sunny, with no anticipated rain disruptions. While the pitch is expected to favour batters, it will also provide support to the bowlers, particularly the faster ones. There should be some seam and swing movement early on. Once the batters get settled, they should be able to score big on this surface.
Probable XIs
Pakistan: The opening pair remains uncertain. It’s either Fakhar Zaman or Abdullah Shafique. There’s another decision to be made between Salman Ali Agha and Saud Shakeel.
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel/Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali.
Netherlands: They are free from injuries and likely to field three spinners.
Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (c/wk), Logan van Beek, Paul van Meekeren, Roelof van der Merwe, Shariz Ahmad, Aryan Dutt.
Match-ups
Shaheen versus Netherlands top-order: Australia’s Mitchell Starc wreaked havoc in the Dutch top-order by claiming a hat-trick in the warm-up match. Shaheen Afridi, known for his ability to strike with the new ball, will be a massive threat to the Dutch batters.
Captain Speak
We have been in Hyderabad for a week and our preparations have been really good. We have had two practice matches in which we tried different combinations and gave everyone an opportunity to see if they could play in any situation. Overall, our practice went well and we will give our best.
Babar Azam told PCB Digital