The ODI World Cup 2023 began in a grand manner. England faced New Zealand in the opening game of the marquee event. New Zealand came out on top against the defending champions. On Friday, Pakistan is set to face the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.
Pakistan will aim to start the World Cup with a win to join New Zealand at the top of the points table against the Netherlands. They have defeated the Netherlands in all six ODI matches they have faced against each other. In the World Cup, they faced twice with Pakistan winning on both occasions.
Pakistan is well aware of the ground conditions and the pitch. The Babar Azam-led side has played both their warm-up matches here at this ground. It is expected to be a batting-friendly surface with opportunities for pacers to make an impact as well in the early stages. Batting second that is chasing has been the preferred strategy on this ground.
Will rain interrupt the game?
According to the latest weather update, it indicates a partly sunny and cloudy day with a maximum temperature of 33°C during the day, and it’s expected to be 25°C at night. The challenge for the players from both sides will be to play in the heat. The chances of precipitationcare close to 0%. With hot and humid conditions the players will need to stay hydrated for the game.
Pakistan will need to work on their spin bowling department as it has come to haunt them in the middle overs. As the team has let runs flow and could not take wickets in the middle overs which is crucial to win a match while bowling second. The form of Shadab Khan has been a concern for the Men in the Green side.
Bas de Leede said, “We want to make the semi-finals. You know, if we want to get there, we’ve got to win four or five games. So, we’d have to take down one of the big teams.”
