ODI World Cup: Pakistan brush aside Netherlands to make winning start – Times of India
NEW DELHI: Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan scored crucial half-centuries before bowlers produced an all-round effort as Pakistan kicked-off their 2023 ODI World Cup campaign with a comfortable 81-run win over Netherlands in Hyderabad on Friday.Shakeel and Rizwan -- playing their first ODI World Cup match -- scored 68 each and added a vital 120-run for the fourth wicket to lift Pakistan to a competitive 286 after the early wobble. Led by speedster Haris Rauf, bowlers then produced a commanding performance to shoot out the Dutch for 205 in 41 overs.Netherlands' star all-rounder Bas de Leede did all he could, first grabbing a four-for and then scoring 76 but the other batters failed to step up Pakistan registered a clinical win.As It HappenedThe Dutch were in the run chase till opener Vik...