How Two Australians Almost Pulled Off An Upset For Netherlands Against Pakistan In 1st ODI

The Netherlands almost chased down 315 runs against Pakistan in the 1st ODI, courtesy of two Australian batters playing for the Dutch.

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In the 1st ODI between Netherlands and Pakistan at Rotterdam, the hosts almost managed to pull off an upset against visitors Pakistan while chasing a huge total. Interestingly, two 'Australian' batters almost took the Dutch to a terrific win against Pakistan. 

Tom Cooper, former South Australian batter, scored a quickfire knock of 65 runs in 54 balls with 6 fours & 2 sixes. While Victorian wicketkeeper-batter Scott Edwards smashed 71 runs off 60 deliveries with 6 fours & a six as these two were taking the Netherlands to an unlikely win. However, the task of scoring 93 runs from the last 10 overs proved a bit much for the hosts as the Dutch fell just 16 runs shy of the target. 

In the match, Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss & opted to bat first against Netherlands in the 1st ODI. Even though Pakistan were off to a slow start, being at 3/0 in 4 overs and then in-form Imam-Ul-Haq was dismissed for 2 runs. Adter this, opener Fakhar Zaman smacked 109 runs in 109 deliveries and led the Pakistan recovery. 

Babar Azam scored 74 runs and etched a good partnership of 168 runs for the second wicket with Fakhar. While Shadab Khan smacked an unbeaten 48 runs off 28 balls with 4 fours & 2 sixes to take Pakistan to a total of 314/6 in 50 overs. 

In reply, Netherlands opener Vikramjit Singh scored 65 runs with 5 fours. The batters hailing from Australia, Tom Cooper (65) and Scott Edwards (71) helped the Netherlands to a record run chase but ultimately fell short by 16 runs. Edwards, who's also captain of the Netherlands team, scored his fourth consecutive ODIs. For Pakistan, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up 3 wickets each while Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Mohammad Nawaz managed 1 wicket each. 

A Brilliant fightback by the Netherlands But they fell short by 16 runs#NEDvPAK pic.twitter.com/Jl6iQ4Urry

— CRICKETNMORE (@cricketnmore) August 16, 2022