The match 2 of ICC ODI World Cup 2023 between Pakistan (PAK) and Netherlands (NED) at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday, 6 October promises to be an exciting contest. Both the teams have a star-studded squad and are major contenders to win the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. They will be keen to kick off the tournament on a winning note.
Both the teams, Pakistan and Netherlands have a fierce rivalry in the format. They have played 6 ODI matches, with Pakistan winning 6 games and Netherlands winning 0 games so far in the head to head encounters. In this article, we will take a look at the key player battles to watch out for in the match 2 of the Pakistan vs Netherlands ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
Also Read: ICC ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan vs Netherlands Weather Forecast and Pitch Report for Today Match
Here are three player battles to watch out for during PAK vs NED match:
1) Teja Nidamanuru vs Shadab Khan
Teja Nidamanuru made waves with his century against the West Indies in the ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifiers, scoring a brilliant 111 off 76 balls, including 11 fours and 3 sixes. With 505 runs in 20 ODIs, he is an aggressive and versatile batter who can handle both spin and pace effectively.
Facing him will be Pakistan’s vice-captain Shadab Khan, a skilled leg-spinner known for his ability to take wickets. With 83 wickets in 64 ODIs and an economy rate of 5.17, Shadab is a key wicket-taker in the middle overs. His duel with Nidamanuru could play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
2) Babar Azam vs Logan van Beek
Babar Azam boasts an impressive record of 5,409 runs in 108 ODIs, including 19 centuries, establishing himself as one of the world’s finest batters. While he has experience facing the Netherlands’ bowlers, his showdown with Logan van Beek adds intrigue to the match.
Logan van Beek is a versatile all-rounder with experience in county cricket. He can swing the ball and generate movement off the pitch, making him a potential threat even on the Hyderabad pitch. If he finds early swing, his battle with Babar Azam could be a captivating contest to watch.
3) Max O’Dowd vs Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi is one of the most exciting pacers in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, and he gained valuable experience of the Hyderabad pitch during a warm-up match against Australia. Known for his talent and ability to take early wickets, Shaheen will aim to keep the Dutch batters in check.
Opening the innings for the Netherlands will be the aggressive and talented Max O’Dowd. With 1158 runs in 33 ODIs and ten fifties, O’Dowd has a penchant for attacking from the start. His battle with Shaheen promises to be an enthralling contest, as he attempts to handle Shaheen’s pace and swing.