Pakistan vs Netherlands, 2nd Match, ODI World Cup 2023: Head-to-Head Player Battles to Watch

The second match of the ODI World Cup 2023 will be played between Pakistan and Netherlands on October 6. The encounter will take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad, and will begin at 2:00 PM IST. The two teams met in ODI World Cups twice in the 1996 edition in Lahore and then in the 2003 World Cup in Paarl. Pakistan won both encounters. Pakistan and the Netherlands have faced off 6 times in the ODI format, with the Men in Green triumphing every single time. 

This time, Pakistan will be led by Babar Azam and Scott Edwards will captain Netherlands. Pakistan played a warm-up match against New Zealand which they lost by 5 wickets. The Netherlands’ practice match against Australia ended with no result. Both teams have some good players with Pakistan holding the edge. But the Netherlands had defeated Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. Their players can gain inspiration from that win and perform to the best of their abilities. 

Here are the Head-to-Head Player Battles to Watch in Pakistan vs. Netherlands, 2nd Match, ODI World Cup 2023:

1. Teja Nidamanuru – Shadab Khan

Teja Nidamanuru made headlines thanks to his century against the West Indies in the ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifiers. The 28-year-old, Nidamanuru, made a brilliant 111 off 76 balls with 11 fours and 3 sixes, respectively, as the Netherlands chased down 375 runs. He boasts 505 runs in 20 ODIs with 2 tons to his name. An aggressive batter from the start, Nidamanuru could prove dangerous for Pakistan as he plays both spin and pace well.

His battle might come against Pakistan vice-captain Shadab Khan. The leg-spinner is a skiddy customer on most of the pitches, especially the one in Hyderabad. He is a wicket-taking bowler for his captain Babar Azam. In 64 ODIs, Shadab has 83 wickets with an economy of 5.17. Bowling in middle overs, Shadab can negate the danger of Dutch batters well.