Pakistan vs Netherlands LIVE: Result and reaction as Rauf takes three wickets and Babar Azam’s side win

Pakistan get their World Cup up and running with a convincing 81-run victory over the Netherlands

Virat Kohli joins team India ahead of their cricket World Cup match against Australia

Pakistan secured a comprehensive 81-run victory against a battling Netherlands to kickstart their World Cup campaign. Babar Azam’s side were in trouble after falling to 38-3 in the early stages but half-centuries from Saud Shakeel and Muhammad Rizwan saw them recover to post 286 after 49 overs.

Netherlands started brightly in their chase as Bas de Leede and Vikram Singh both reached their half-centuries as part of a 70-run stand. But when Singh fell, the Dutch middle order failed to provide support for De Leede who eventually fell for 67, with Scott Edward’s side losing their last 8 wickets for 85 runs as they were bowled out for 205.

Relive all of the match action and catch up on all the reaction below. Get the latest match odds and tips here.

Pakistan vs Netherlands LIVE: ODI World Cup updates

• Netherlands fall to 81-run defeat against Pakistan in opening both side’s opening World Cup fixture
• De Leede hits impressive half-centuries but Dutch run-chase collapses
• Pakistan bowled out for 286 off 49 overs; Rizwan and Shakeel hit vital half-centuries
• Cricket World Cup 2023: Full schedule, fixtures and match dates

Pakistan vs Netherlands

22.4

FOUR! Vikram Singh to Saud Shakeel. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, well timed in the air under control past long off for 4 runs.

6 October 2023 11:12

Pakistan vs Netherlands

22.3

FOUR! Vikram Singh to Saud Shakeel. Off cutter half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, well timed in the air under control past long off for 4 runs.

6 October 2023 11:11

Pakistan vs Netherlands

22.1

Vikram Singh to Saud Shakeel. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to deep cover for 1 run, fielded by de Leede.

6 October 2023 11:10

[6 October 2023 11:09 · Ben Fleming]

Pakistan 121-3 (22) Rizwan 45 Shakeel 40, Van der Merwe 0-27 (4)

A great over for Pakistan but a nightmare for Netherlands who are penalised for having one too many fielders outside the circle. Shakeel cashes in and thumps the free hit over the ropes for six.

15 runs coming from that over with a four and a handful of singles as well. Pakistan cruising now.

Pakistan vs Netherlands

21.6

Roelof van der Merwe to Mohammad Rizwan. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to point for no runs, fielded by O'Dowd.

6 October 2023 11:09

Pakistan vs Netherlands

21.5

Roelof van der Merwe to Saud Shakeel. Stock length ball, middle stump on the front foot working, to deep square leg for 1 run, fielded by O'Dowd.

6 October 2023 11:08

Pakistan vs Netherlands

21.4

Roelof van der Merwe to Mohammad Rizwan. Stock length ball, middle stump on the back foot working, to long on for 1 run, fielded by Dutt.

6 October 2023 11:08

Pakistan vs Netherlands

21.2

FREE HIT. SIX! Roelof van der Merwe to Saud Shakeel. Stock length ball, off stump on the front foot Slog, well timed in the air under control over long on for 6 runs.

6 October 2023 11:07

Pakistan vs Netherlands

21.2

FOUR! Roelof van der Merwe to Saud Shakeel. Stock length ball, off stump down the track flick, well timed in the air under control past deep mid wicket for 4 runs.

6 October 2023 11:06

Pakistan vs Netherlands

21.1

Roelof van der Merwe to Mohammad Rizwan. Stock ball half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to long off for 1 run, fielded by van Meekeren.

6 October 2023 11:05