In a comical series of events, Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz was run out for 39 during their World Cup clash against the Netherlands in Hyderabad due to a mid-pitch mix-up with teammate Shaheen Afridi.
The Netherlands won the toss and opted to field against Pakistan in their ongoing tournament opener at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. The Dutch have put up a commendable performance, grabbing three wickets during the powerplay and subsequently relying on Bas de Leede’s 4-62 to dismantle Pakistan’s middle order.
Pakistan managed to post a total of 286 runs before being all out in 49 overs, making for an eventful encounter.
In the 47th over of the match, a chaotic sequence unfolded. Shaheen Afridi tried a tricky reverse sweep, leading to an unsuccessful lbw appeal by the bowler, Ackermann. Meanwhile, Mohammad Nawaz began a run but was quickly sent back to the bowler’s end. In the ongoing confusion, a wide throw prompted another attempt at running, but Nawaz’s delayed reaction left him stranded. He was eventually run out by a significant margin due to a precise direct throw from Colin Ackermann at mid-off.
Pakistan found themselves in trouble early on, losing three wickets, but Saud Shakeel and Muhammad Rizwan rescued them with a crucial 120-run partnership.
However, just when it seemed like Pakistan was taking control, the Netherlands’ bowlers, led by Bas de Leede, conjured moments of brilliance to disrupt their progress. De Leede twice claimed two wickets in an over, removing well-set batsmen including Rizwan (68), and breaking a promising partnership between Nawaz and Shadab. Colin Ackermann later wrapped up the innings as Haris Rauf fell for an entertaining 16.
Now, the Netherlands faces the challenge of chasing 287 against Pakistan’s formidable fast bowlers, including Rauf and Shaheen Afridi.
Last Updated on October 6, 2023
Senior Sports Copywriter