PERTH: Batting first, Netherlands faced a tough day for their Dutch batters as they posted 9-91 from their 20 overs, setting a 92 runs winning target for Pakistan at Optus Stadium, Perth.
Shadab Khan, who claimed three wickets, starred for Pakistan at Perth today. Afridi, Naseem and Wasim kept the pressure on even in their later spells, not letting Netherlands get to even a hundred
Pakistani speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early as under pressure Team Green started on a strong note in must-win encounter against the Netherlands in the Super 12 encounter at the T20 World Cup in Perth.
Also read: Pakistan beat Netherlands by 6 wickets
Afridi, who returned after knee injury, removed opener Stephan Myburgh on 6(11), vice captain Shadab then removed Tom Cooper in his first ball as underdog Netherlands find themselves in difficult position.
Commenting on the bowling, Haris Rauf said “we tried to bowl the hard lengths and are satisfied with our results. We started with full lengths in the last match. But yesterday we spoke about bowling hard lengths and have had success today. The crowd support is important because we get boosted up.”
Pakistan (Playing XI) – Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Babar Azam (C), Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman (In for Haider Ali), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim.
According to Jason Behrendorff, Former Australia bowler on BBC Test Match Special, Pakistan came out with great intent. They started with a great line and length and were bowling with great pace. They took regular wickets and that just stemmed any Netherlands momentum. The Netherlands just needed to find more ways to rotate the strike because they have ended up with a very below par score.
