"The way Hyderabad supports us, we are very happy" - Babar Azam

Babar Azam-led Pakistan registered a comfortable win over the Netherlands in the second match of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The Netherlands won the toss and opted to bowl first. Pakistan lost three key players within the powerplay but Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel steadied the ship and helped the side put up a decent total of 286 in 49 overs.

While chasing, Netherlands’ opener Vikramjit Singh scored 52 whereas Bas de Leede also smashed 67. However, a lack of support from the other end saw them manage to post only 205 before getting all out for 205, eventually losing the game by 81 runs.

Who said what after the match?

Babar Azam: “The way Hyderabad supports us, we are very happy. Our team is enjoying the hospitality. Pretty satisfied, credit to the bowlers, the way started well and the way we took wickets in the middle overs. We lost three wickets, the way Rizwan and Saud batted put pressure on the Netherlands. Saud built his innings and played well. He has improved a lot. Our bowlers bowled very well, we stuck to our plans, Haris bowled quick and took wickets.”

Scott Edwards: “Firstly, a little bit disappointing. Think we bowled a fielded really well. Credit to Pakistan, they batted well in the end. Felt the total was par, we felt we were in the game when we were on 120. Captaincy is a bit about instinct, lot of options out there. Bas de Leede is fantastic in all three departments of the game. Just needed someone to go with him. Haven’t spoken to van Beek, we’ll assess that and see where it goes. Probably one that got away, we were in a pretty good position. They just took a few wickets in the middle there.”

Saud Shakeel, who won the Player of the Match, said: “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. Thanks to the crowd as well, and I want to thank my coach as well for helping me out.”