Spotlight: Babar Azam, Preview, Key Players, Fantasy Tips and Dream11

Pakistan have never lost against Netherlands

Hosts Netherlands will cross swords against Pakistan in the first ODI of the three-match series in Rotterdam tomorrow at 2.30 PM IST. 

Pakistan have had a dream run in the 50-over format in recent times, winning their last five encounters. On the contrary, the Netherlands have performed miserably since the Ireland series played last year. Struggling with form, the Dutch are yet to win an ODI game this year and would therefore be desperate to turn things around. 

Spotlight: Babar Azam

Babar's rise as an outstanding limited-overs batter has been exemplary, to say the least. The Pakistani skipper has already scripted his name among the country's all-time great ODI batters, scoring 4442 runs at an unbelievable average of 59.23 in just 87 outings. 

Babar's growth as an ODI batter has been exponential

Babar has amassed 862 runs at a stupendous average of 78.36 in ODI cricket since the start of 2021. Considering his form and colossal stature, we expect him to start the series in a grand style tomorrow. 

Key Players

• Imam-ul-Haq has garnered 497 runs at a Bradmanesque average of 99.4 in his last six ODI outings. 
• Scott Edwards top-scored for the Netherlands in the England ODIs, slamming 214 runs at an outstanding average of 107. 
• Mohammad Nawaz scalped seven wickets in the ODI series against West Indies at a surreal economy of 4.53. 

Match Details

Venue: Hazelaarweg, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Live Streaming: FanCode App

Pitch Report: The last two ODIs played in Rotterdam's Hazelaarwg were low-scoring affairs, with seamers playing spoilsport in batters' party. So, we expect a bit of movement off the deck and reckon that batting will become easier with the game's progression. Therefore, the toss-winning team will likely opt to chase in tomorrow's clash. 

CREX 11 Fantasy Tips

Wicket-keepers: Scott Edwards, Mohammad Rizwan
Batters: Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Max O'Dowd, Fakhar Zaman
All-rounders: Bas de Leede, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan
Bowlers: Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Vivian Kingma

Captain: Babar Azam
Vice Captain: Mohammad Nawaz

Also Read: Independence Day Special: The Firsts in Indian Cricket (Test Cricket)