‘I was clear in my mind’ - Saud Shakeel reflects on match-winning effort against Netherlands

The second game of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 saw the Babar Azam-led Pakistan take on the Netherlands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Friday, October 6. Coming in to bat first, Pakistan got off to a horrid start as the Netherlands were able to come away with some early wickets.

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, and Babar Azam were all sent back to the pavilion early for 12, 15, and five runs, respectively. Looking to head towards a collapse, it was the knocks of Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan that helped Pakistan stabilise their innings. 

Shakeel scored 68 runs in 52 deliveries, whereas Rizwan amassed as many runs in 75 deliveries. Both batters' brilliant innings helped Pakistan post a total of 286 runs on the board and eventually helped them win the game as well. 

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Talking of the same, Shakeel came forward to review his brilliant knock andyear-old opined that he was clear in his mind what he needed to do and looked to play positive cricket.

"There were nerves. But I was lucky that I found a few odd boundaries. Sometimes it happens that you find such boundaries, it makes it easier for you. I was clear in my mind that I wanted to attack and play positive cricket. Rizwan bhai's role was to go long but my plan was simple,” Saud Shakeel was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

“I had focused on a few bowlers of the Netherlands. If I had to hit from above, I would take a chance. I did that. I took a chance. I was trying to stay positive and kept attacking the bowlers I had targeted," he added.

Where Pakistan lacked with the bat, the side made up for it with the ball as they defended 286. The side put forth an exceptional bowling display and bundled out the Netherlands for 205, winning the game by 81 runs and recording their first World Cup win in India.

Also Check: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Points Table