The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 has just begun on October 5th and our predictions about the first match were spot on with New Zealand winning the match. On its second day, Pakistan led by Babar Azam, is going to face the Netherlands at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Pakistan’s fortunes have taken a hit recently, losing to India and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup and both warm-up matches, conceding over 340 runs each time. However, their unpredictable nature means they can shine on any given day. On the other hand, the Netherlands, captained by Scott Edwards, arrived early in India and had decent performances in practice matches. With nothing to lose, they can play freely. Here we are going to give you a Complete Analysis, Preview, Playing11 and Dream11 Team Prediction, Pitch Report, and a lot more.
PAK vs. NED Toss Prediction
Whichever team wins the toss should choose to bat first. From the Pakistani point of view, Babar Azam and the boys will try to post a mammoth size total on the board and choke off the Netherlands in the second innings. The Netherlands may also bat first and try to outplay Pakistan.
PAK vs. NED Match Prediction
Pakistan is a strong side for the title in this tournament, while the Netherlands is not expected to make any mark. Pakistan has a well-balanced team with strong players in all positions. They will be a tough opponent for any team they face. Therefore in today’s match, Pakistan will have the upper hand over the Netherlands.
Analysis
Pakistan Side
Pakistan’s recent cricketing fortunes have taken a sharp downturn over the past month or so. Initially appearing to be in fine form ahead of the Asia Cup, their hopes were quickly dashed by a heavy defeat at the hands of their arch-rivals, India. This loss was followed by a close defeat to Sri Lanka, which prevented them from making it to the tournament final.
To make matters worse, their warm-up matches offered no respite. In both games, their bowlers struggled, conceding more than 340 runs each time. Remarkably, Pakistan’s batsmen managed to rack up substantial totals, only to find themselves on the losing side. This stark inconsistency has long been a hallmark of the Pakistani cricket team, known for its unpredictability.
During the warm-up match against New Zealand, in spite of brilliant batting efforts they failed to win the match. Mohammad Rizwan’s century helped them reach a formidable total of 345-5, with Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel contributing significantly with scores of 80 and 75, respectively. However, their imposing total proved insufficient to thwart New Zealand, who secured victory by five wickets, thanks to standout performances from Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, and Mark Chapman.
These recent setbacks have left Pakistan facing a challenging start to the ICC ODI World Cup, as they seek to regain their winning momentum and overcome their unpredictable nature.
Probable XIs
Pakistan probable XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf.
Netherlands Side
The Netherlands, under the leadership of the young Scott Edwards, find themselves in a unique position as they enter the ICC ODI World Cup. With nothing to lose, they have the freedom to play their hearts out. The team arrived in India well in advance of the tournament, allowing them valuable time to acclimatize and prepare.
They also engaged in practice One-Day matches against Karnataka, which helped them fine-tune their skills. In a recent warm-up match against Australia, the game was shortened to 23 overs per side due to rain. Australia posted a score of 166-7 in the first innings, aided by a half-century from Steve Smith.
However, the Netherlands faced a challenging task, with three of their batters falling for ducks as Mitchell Starc executed a flawless hat-trick. They were 84-6 in 14.2 overs when rain intervened, forcing the match to be called off without a result. Colin Ackermann’s unbeaten 31-run contribution was noteworthy. While the Netherlands showcased their bowling prowess against Australia, the rain deprived them of a final warm-up clash against India. Nevertheless, they approach the World Cup with a sense of adventure, ready to express themselves on the grand stage.
Netherlands probable XI: Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Wesley Barresi, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (C & WK), Bas de Leede, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Shariz Ahmad, Ryan Klein, Paul van Meekeren.
Pakistan vs Netherlands: Previous Encounters
Back in August 2022, Pakistan embarked on a tour of the Netherlands, marking the first bilateral series between the two nations. Predictably, Pakistan emerged victorious in the series, claiming a 3-0 win. Captain Babar Azam led from the front with the bat, accumulating 222 runs at an impressive average of 74.00.
On the bowling front, Naseem Shah shone brightly as he secured the position of the highest wicket-taker with 10 scalps at an astonishing average of 11.10. Bas de Leede was the leading wicket-taker from the orange side, by taking 5 wickets in 3 matches. Tom Cooper was the highest run scorer from the Netherlands side, scoring 193 runs in 3 innings at an average of 64 runs.
Important Stats
Babar Azam (recent form, since Asia Cup): 6 M • 377 R • 68 A • 90 HS
Muhammad Rizwan (recent form, since Asia Cup): 7 M • 365 R • 61 A • 103 HS
Shadab Khan (recent form, since Asia Cup): 5 M • 38 R • 16 HS • 8 W
Bass De Leede is impressive with bowling, but with batting, he can do some extraordinary things. In the recent county, playing for Durham he has scored 265 runs in just 6 innings at an avg. of 65.
Pitch and Weather Report
The pitch at this venue seems to be a batting paradise, as demonstrated in the warm-up matches. Bowlers will need to be extra precise with their line and length to avoid conceding too many runs. Given the challenging task of defending a total, the team winning the toss is likely to opt for bowling first. Spinners might not find much assistance on this pitch, often referred to as a batting “road.”
The weather forecast looks promising with bright sunshine and temperatures in the low 30s, and there’s no rain in sight for this match.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium ODI Records
- Total Matches: 7
- Match Won batting first: 4
- Match won bowling first: 3
- Average 1st innings score: 288
- Average 2nd innings score: 262
Fantasy Team
Top players of Pakistan and Netherlands in ODIs
Pakistan
- Babar Azam: Babar Azam is one of the best batsmen in the world in all formats of the game. He has an outstanding record in ODIs, with 5409 runs at an average of 54.
- Imam-ul-Haq: Imam-ul-Haq is another top-order batter who has been in good form in recent years. He has accumulated 2976 runs in ODIs at an average of 42.51, including 7 centuries and 16 half-centuries. He is a solid batter who can play long innings.
- Shadab Khan: Shadab Khan is a versatile all-rounder who is one of the key players in the Pakistan team. He can shine any day and is enough to destroy a team single-handedly.
- Haris Rauf: Haris Rauf is a right-arm fast bowler who has been in excellent form in recent times. He has taken 53 wickets in ODIs at an average of 27.41.
- Shaheen Afridi: Shaheen Afridi is the heartthrob of the Pakistan bowling attack. His wicket taking ability makes him one of the key players in the tournament.
Netherlands
- Bas de Leede: Bas de Leede is a crucial all-rounder for the Netherlands team. He has scored 765 runs and taken 24 wickets in ODIs. Recently while playing for Durham, he showed absolute class with bat and ball.
- Logan van Beek: Logan van Beek is a right-arm fast bowler who is the spearhead of the Netherlands bowling attack. He has taken 34 wickets in ODIs at an average of 26.94.
- Colin Ackermann: Colin Ackermann is an all-rounder who has been in good form in recent years. He has scored 211 runs and taken 4 wickets in ODIs. Undoubtedly he will be one of the key players of the side.
Final Team
Wicketkeepers: Rizwan, Edwards
Batters: Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, M O’Dowd / Fakhr Zaman
All-Rounders: Shadab Khan, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Logan van Beek
Captain picks: Babar Azam, Rizwan
VC Picks Shaheen Afridi, Bas de Leede and any player from the captaincy section. If you love to take risks, you can make Haris Rauf or Shadab Khan your VC.
Who will win Pakistan vs Netherlands?
Odds featured by Cricbaba – Currently, a Rs.100 bet on Pakistan winning makes you Rs.105 which makes them hot favourites to win the second match of the ICC 2023 World Cup in India. We think it is better to bet on other events such as who will become the Man of the Match or who will score the highest runs.
A Rs. 100 bet on Shaheem Shah Afridi wins you Rs.800 and he is our top contender and most valuable bet.
