Pakistan Plays against Netherlands:. When Pakistan takes on the Netherlands in a three-match ODI series starting on Tuesday. They will be looking to earn critical World Cup qualifying points. But they will be keeping a close eye on the health of ace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.
On a recent trip to Sri Lanka, the 22-year-old paceman sustained a knee injury. This setback is concerning because the Asia Cup, as well as a match against India, is at the end of the month.
The Pakistani coaching staff does not want to overwork a fast bowler who has already played 97 times in all three forms.
Babar Azam Statement
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, said, “We’re taking a couple of doctors with us to take care of Shaheen. And want him to play a game against the Netherlands to determine whether he’s healthy and ready for the Asia Cup.”
“However, we do have 11 trump cards. On any given day, any of them may win the match. Whether they are bowlers or batters, I believe in every single one of them.
Covid-19
Covid-19 in 2020 forced the postponement of the series in Rotterdam.
The top seven teams, together with the hosts India, will qualify for the 2023 World Cup from the 13-nation Super League.
With 90 points, Pakistan is now in third place after defeating powerful Australia 2-1 at home in their most recent ODI series.
If they didn’t place in the top seven, they would have to face a difficult qualifying competition.
Azam got shocked to see Europe scorching in a heatwave. And added, “There are significant Super League points at stake which we can’t lose.”
“I predict that the weather will be similar to that in England. We have rehearsed indoors with the air conditioning on because the weather would be cooler. Perhaps this helps to imitate the conditions, he stated on Thursday before the team left for Europe.
International Matches
Only three one-day international matches between the two teams have taken place. All in international competitions at the World Cups in 1996 (Pakistan) and 2003 (South Africa), as well as the 2002 Champions Trophy (Sri Lanka).
Pakistan won all three matches.
The Netherlands is looking for a significant improvement in their 50-over results after qualifying for the Twenty20 World Cup. Australia will host the T20 World Cup this year.
They are currently in bottom place in the Super League after only two victories in 16 games.
After 12 successive losses in series against Afghanistan, New Zealand, the West Indies, and England, they managed just two victories—against Ireland.
England Matches
In June, England defeated them by a score of 498-4, shattering the previous record.
However, according to his young team’s new captain Scott Edwards, playing against stronger nations has been beneficial.
ODI cricket remains a standard for Associates, according to Edwards, who took over as captain in June for Pieter Seelaar.
“We have several upcoming young cricketers who have experience playing against England and New Zealand. I am eager for the following two to three years.
“We play Pakistan, giving us another chance to test our talents against top-tier bowlers and hitters in preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia.
Pakistan Plays against Netherlands
“The players have had an amazing summer thanks to the chance to play in these bigger countries. It is somewhat regrettable that we haven’t recorded any victories.
Hasan Ali, a fast bowler for Pakistan who was out of form, has been replaced by Naseem Shah, a rookie pacer. The other quick bowlers on the team are Shahnawaz Dahani, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Wasim Junior.
Wesley Barresi, a 38-year-old all-rounder, has been recalled by the Netherlands after a three-year hiatus.
The teams play each other again on Thursday and Sunday following the inaugural match on Tuesday.
