T20 World Cup 2022, PAK vs NED: Pakistan open their account with a comprehensive win
Pakistan team in action [Source: Twitter]
The 29th match of the ongoing T20 World Cup witnessed Pakistan decimate the Netherlands by six wickets in Perth on Sunday. The Men in Green opened their account in the Group 2 points table with this clinical win.
The Dutch fall like a pack of cards
After opting to bat first, the Netherlands got off to a horrible start, losing Stephan Myburgh and Tom Cooper cheaply. Bas de Leede was retired hurt after being hit by Haris Rauf's vicious bumper, while Max O'Dowd was trapped plumb in front by Shadab Khan for eight.
Shadab Khan bagged three wickets [Source: Twitter]
Colin Ackermann and Scott Edwards were the only Dutch batters to record two-digit figures. While Ackermann hit two fours for his run-a-ball 27, Edwards crawled his way through to a 20-ball 15. After their departure, the Dutch lower order couldn't survive the fiery bowling of the Pakistani pacers, eventually finishing their innings on 91 for nine in 20 overs.
For Pakistan, Shadab Khan registered a spectacular three-for, while Mohammad Wasim Jr claimed two wickets.
Pakistan chase the total without breaking a sweat
In response, Pakistan began their chase on a poor note, as Babar Azam was run out before opening his account. Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman stitched a 37-run stand before the latter was undone by Brandon Glover in the eighth over.
Although Rizwan (49 off 39) and Shan Masood departed, Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan ensured Pakistan had no further hiccups and got over the line with 6.1 overs to spare.
Brief Scores
Netherlands: 91/9 (20)
Colin Ackermann 27 (27), Scott Edwards 15 (20);
Shadab Khan 3/22, Mohammad Wasim Jr 2/15 (3)
Pakistan: 95/4 (13.5)
Mohammad Rizwan 49 (39), Fakhar Zaman 20 (16);
Brandon Glover 2/22 (2.5), Paul van Meekeren 1/19 (4)
Pakistan won by six wickets.