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'We Want To Reach The Semifinals', Says Bas de Leede Ahead Of Pakistan Clash

image-lneayl7yBas de Leede will make his maiden World Cup appearance [X.com]

On the eve of the Netherlands' ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 opener against Pakistan at Hyderabad, all-rounder Bas de Leede has opened up about his team's ambitions going forward. The Netherlands booked a flight to India for the main draw of the World Cup after clinching the WC Qualifiers 2023 against Zimbabwe in July. 

As quoted by India Today, the all-rounder stated how the Dutch side aims to reach the semifinal stage and is hopeful of pulling off an upset here or there. 

The Netherlands last won a World Cup match against Scotland in the 2007 edition. 

Here's what de Leede said

“We want to make the semifinals. If we want to get there, we've got to win four or five games. So, we'd have to take down one of the big teams. But that's our main target. And if we get there, we play our best cricket. Amazing. But if we play our best cricket and we don't get there, I reckon we can still be proud of ourselves," said De Leede.

"I don't think any of the teams have got anything to lose. They've got something to gain, which is winning the World Cup. I think for us, obviously it is special being back for the first time since 2011, but we've set our goal high which is making the semifinal,” he added.

Interestingly, de Leede, who is making his maiden WC appearance, will become the sixth father-son pair to play in the World Cup; Tim de Leede (father) played for the Netherlands in 1996, 2003, and 2007. 

Captained by wicketkeeper Scott Edwards, the Netherlands will face off against Pakistan today at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.