Twitter Reactions: Pakistan's World Cup opener swings the right way despite not ticking batting boxes

In the second match of the ODI World Cup 2023, Pakistan and the Netherlands locked horns at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The Netherlands, after winning the toss, chose to field first. This decision proved great as their bowlers displayed remarkable skill and precision. Pakistan's top order found themselves in a spot of bother early on, with three crucial wickets tumbling within the first ten overs.

Opener Fakhar Zaman was the first to fall, courtesy of Logan van Beek's brilliant slower delivery. Captain Babar Azam followed suit, caught in the trap set by Colin Ackerman while attempting a pull shot. The pressure mounted further as Imam-ul-Haq also fell, attempting an ambitious hook shot.

However, Pakistan's resilience dazzled as Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan staged a remarkable comeback. The duo formed a formidable partnership, adding 120 runs to the scoreboard, with both Rizwan and Saud contributing identical scores of 68 runs each.

As the partnership finally succumbed to the Netherlands' relentless effort, Pakistan found it challenging to maintain their momentum. They were eventually bowled out for a total of 286 runs in 49 overs, with Bas de Leede's impressive four-wicket haul being the highlight of the Dutch bowling attack.

In response, the Dutch team showed promise early on, with opener Vikramjit Singh reaching a well-deserved fifty. However, the mounting pressure led to a steady fall of wickets. Despite Bas de Leede's valiant effort, scoring 67 runs, and Vikramjit's 52, the Dutch team struggled to chase down the target.

A pivotal over by Pakistan's Haris Rauf proved to be the turning point. Rauf claimed two crucial wickets in the same over, first removing Teja Nidamanuru and then dismissing the Dutch captain, Scott Edwards. This double blow effectively shattered the backbone of the Dutch innings.

In the end, the Netherlands fell short by 81 runs, marking a triumphant start to Pakistan's campaign in the ODI World Cup 2023.