PAK vs NED: Babar Azam "Very Happy" With The Support From Hyderabad Crowd In ICC World Cup 2023

Pakistan National Cricket Team captain Babar Azam has said that he is delighted with the support his side has received from the Hyderabad crowd during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

The Pakistan captain’s comments came after the Men In Green thumped the Netherlands National Cricket Team by 81 runs in the second match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on Friday, October 6 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Batting first in the match, Pakistan were off to a poor start as they lost the early wickets of Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, and Babar Azam. However, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel steadied the ship to push the Dutch side to the backfoot. Also, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with crucial runs to help Pakistan reach the score of 286.

Defending the target, Pakistan bowlers picked up the wickets at regular intervals and only Vikramjit Singh and Bas de Leede performed well for the Netherlands. All the Pakistan bowlers bagged at least one wicket each and they bundled out the Dutch side for 205 in 41 overs.

Our team is enjoying the hospitality – Babar Azam

Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, Babar Azam said that his team is enjoying the hospitality in India. Babar Azam said:

“The way Hyderabad supports us, we are very happy. Our team is enjoying the hospitality.”

Babar Azam was satisfied with the performance of his bowling unit and said that they performed really well in the match. He said:

“Pretty satisfied, credit to the bowlers, the way started well and the way we took wickets in the middle overs. “

He also lavished rich praise on the duo of Rizwan and Saud Shakeel for rescuing Pakistan from a difficult situation. Babar Azam said:

“We lost three wickets, the way Rizwan and Saud batted put pressure on the Netherlands. Saud built his innings and played well. He has improved a lot. Our bowlers bowled very well, we stuck to our plans, Haris bowled quick and took wickets.”