The ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to begin on October 5, 2023, with the host nation India taking on Afghanistan in the opening match. The second match of the tournament will see Pakistan face the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on October 6, 2023. This will be the first game of the tournament for both the teams, and also the first time they will meet in a World Cup since 2003.
Pakistan are one of the most unpredictable and exciting teams in world cricket, with a rich history of producing some of the finest players and performances in the game. They have won the World Cup once, in 1992, under the inspirational leadership of Imran Khan. They have also reached the final in 1999 and the semi-finals in 1979, 1983, 1987 and 2011. They are currently ranked sixth in the ICC ODI rankings, and have some of the most talented and explosive players in their squad, such as captain Babar Azam, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, all-rounder Shadab Khan, fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and spinner Imad Wasim.
The Netherlands are one of the associate teams that have qualified for the World Cup through the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, where they finished fourth behind England, India and Australia. They have played in four World Cups before, in 1996, 2003, 2007 and 2011, but have never progressed beyond the group stage. They have won only two matches out of 20 in their World Cup history, both against fellow associate teams Namibia and Kenya. They are currently ranked 13th in the ICC ODI rankings, and have some of the most experienced and skillful players in their squad, such as captain Pieter Seelaar, batsman Max O’Dowd, all-rounder Colin Ackermann, fast bowler Paul van Meekeren and spinner Roelof van der Merwe.
The betting odds for the Pakistan vs Netherlands match are heavily in favor of Pakistan, as expected. According to Oddschecker, Pakistan are priced at 1/16 to win the match, while Netherlands are at 12/1. This means that if you bet $16 on Pakistan to win, you will get $17 back ($16 stake + $1 profit). On the other hand, if you bet $1 on Netherlands to win, you will get $13 back ($1 stake + $12 profit). The odds reflect the huge gap between the two teams in terms of quality, experience and form.
The match between Pakistan and Netherlands will be a clash of contrasting styles and strengths. Pakistan are known for their aggressive and flamboyant batting, their lethal pace bowling and their unpredictable nature. They can score big runs or collapse spectacularly, they can bowl out any team or leak runs generously, they can win from any situation or lose from any position. They are capable of beating any team on their day, but also losing to any team on their off day.
Netherlands are known for their disciplined and determined batting, their accurate and economical bowling and their resilient character. They can grind out runs or chase down targets, they can restrict any team or defend any total, they can upset any team or challenge any opponent. They are capable of surprising any team on their day, but also succumbing to any team on their off day.
The key players for Pakistan will be Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. Babar Azam is one of the best batsmen in the world across formats, and has been in sublime form lately. He has scored 10 centuries and 19 fifties in his 83 ODI innings so far, with an average of 56.83 and a strike rate of 88.69. He has also scored three centuries and four fifties against associate teams in ODIs. He will be looking to lead from the front and anchor the innings for Pakistan.
Shaheen Afridi is one of the most promising fast bowlers in the world right now, and has been in sensational form lately. He has taken 66 wickets in his 29 ODI matches so far, with an average of 22.86 and a strike rate of 25.8. He has also taken four five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls in ODIs. He will be looking to exploit the conditions and trouble the batsmen with his pace, swing and bounce.
The key players for Netherlands will be Max O’Dowd and Roelof van der Merwe. Max O’Dowd is one of the most consistent and prolific batsmen for Netherlands, and has been in good form lately. He has scored two centuries and seven fifties in his 32 ODI innings so far, with an average of 41.48 and a strike rate of 77.52. He has also scored one century and three fifties against full member teams in ODIs. He will be looking to provide a solid start and build the innings for Netherlands.
Roelof van der Merwe is one of the most experienced and versatile players for Netherlands, and has been in decent form lately. He has scored 1018 runs and taken 55 wickets in his 58 ODI matches so far, with an average of 24.24 and a strike rate of 97.51 with the bat, and an average of 29.76 and an economy rate of 4.67 with the ball. He has also scored one century and taken one five-wicket haul in ODIs. He will be looking to contribute with both bat and ball and add some depth and balance to the team.
Based on the current form, recent performances, head-to-head record and betting odds, Pakistan are the clear favorites to win the match against Netherlands. They have a much stronger and more experienced team, with more firepower and flair in their batting and bowling. They have also dominated Netherlands in their previous encounters, winning all six ODIs between them. They will be confident of starting their World Cup campaign on a high note.
Netherlands, on the other hand, have a much weaker and less experienced team, with more limitations and vulnerabilities in their batting and bowling. They have also struggled against Pakistan in their previous encounters, losing all six ODIs between them. They will be underdogs and outsiders for the match, but they will not give up easily. They will try to put up a fight and cause an upset.
The match is likely to be a one-sided affair, with Pakistan winning comfortably by a big margin. However, cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, and anything can happen on the day. Netherlands will hope to catch Pakistan off guard and pull off a miracle.
The Pakistan vs Netherlands match will be an interesting and exciting contest, with both teams looking to start their World Cup journey on a positive note. Pakistan will be aiming to showcase their skills and talent, while Netherlands will be aiming to prove their worth and potential. The match will also offer some betting opportunities for the fans and punters, who can place their bets on various markets and outcomes. The match will be a test of nerves and skills, as well as a spectacle of entertainment and thrill.
Q: When and where will the Pakistan vs Netherlands match take place?
A: The Pakistan vs Netherlands match will take place on October 6, 2023 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The match will start at 1:30 PM local time (8:00 AM GMT).
Q: How can I watch the Pakistan vs Netherlands match live?
A: The Pakistan vs Netherlands match will be broadcast live on various TV channels across the world, such as Star Sports in India, PTV Sports in Pakistan, Fox Sports in Australia, Sky Sports in UK, SuperSport in South Africa, Willow TV in USA, etc. The match will also be streamed live on various online platforms, such as Hotstar in India, SonyLIV in Pakistan, Kayo Sports in Australia, Sky Go in UK, DStv Now in South Africa, Willow TV Online in USA, etc.
Q: How can I bet on the Pakistan vs Netherlands match?
A: You can bet on the Pakistan vs Netherlands match through various online betting sites, such as Bet365, Betway, Betfair, etc. You can choose from various betting markets and options, such as match winner, top batsman, top bowler, total runs, total wickets, etc. You can also compare the odds from different sites and choose the best one for your bet.
Q: Who are the key players for Pakistan vs Netherlands match?
A: The key players for Pakistan vs Netherlands match are Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan, and Max O’Dowd and Roelof van der Merwe for Netherlands. These players have been in good form lately and have performed well against each other in the past. They will be expected to play crucial roles for their teams in the match.
December 5, 2024
December 5, 2024
December 5, 2024