PAK vs NED: Watch: Saud Shakeel's Incredible Match Awareness Earns Pakistan A Free-Hit Against Netherlands In ICC World Cup 2023

Pakistan batter Saud Shakeel has come to his team’s rescue in the ongoing second game of the ICC World Cup 2023 against the Netherlands. The batter has been terrific and has played some staggering shots that brought momentum back into his team’s court. 

While his class with the bat has been for everyone to praise, Saud Shakeel displayed a magnificent match awareness as well which earned Pakistan a free hit. As the batter smashed Van der Merwe for four on the second ball of the 22nd over, he was quick to notice the field placement. 

Saud Shakeel immediately went to the umpires and pointed out that the Netherlands had placed 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle, which isn’t allowed till the last powerplay as only 4 fielders can be there. The umpires noticed the development and called no ball immediately. 

Saud Shakeel then took full advantage of the free hit as he dispatched the next ball for six. He stayed inside his crease, cleared his front leg, and whacked it over long-on deep into the stands. 

Here’s the video of Saud Shakeel showing great awareness and earning his side a free hit: 

pic.twitter.com/bZ6Xt3elxm

— No-No-Crix (@Hanji_CricDekho) October 6, 2023

Saud came to bat after Pakistan lost a few early wickets and were tumbling at 38/3. The southpaw batted magnificently well as he played great shots and put the Netherlands under pressure. He has timed the ball perfectly and has placed the ball well, toying with the field placements.

Saud Shakeel smashes second fastest fifty for Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 

Saud made sure that he cashed on the start that he got and slammed a magnificent half-century. He achieved the milestone in 32 balls, which is the second fastest by any Pakistan batter in the history of the World Cups. The record is held by Inzamam-ul-Haq, who achieved the milestone in 31 balls. 

Apart from Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan too has been sensational. The keeper-batter also has slammed his half-century and the duo together has batted superbly to bring Pakistan back in the game. They have added over 100 runs in partnership and before the left-hander was back in the hut for 68.