Pakistan cricket team which is quite unpredictable are termed as one of the red hot favorites for the ODI WC 2023 tournament. Aakash Chopra expects Pakistani batters to have a good day at the crease against the Netherlands. Aakash Chopra said that once again the onus will be on the star cricketers Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.
Pakistan will have to negate the threat of the new ball against a quality Dutch attack. The Men in Green had a forgettable two Warm Up ODI WC two matches in which they were outplayed by New Zealand and Australia as their both departments: batting & bowling were exposed.
I don’t think Pakistan’s middle order will be exposed against the Netherlands- Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra was seen speaking on his YouTube channel. Aakash Chopra pointed out that all eyes will be on the star cricketers Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. Aakash Chopra stated that Pakistan will have to bring their ‘A’ game to outclass the Dutch. Aakash Chopra said that Pakistan’s middle order won’t be exposed against Netherlands.
“All of the eyes will be on Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, when Pakistan take on the Netherlands. That is because irrespective of the opposition, they step up. The Netherlands has done well to reach this point, but Pakistan will be looking to bring their A-game on the ground,” said Aakash Chopra.
“It is important for Pakistan that their opening batters get some runs under their belt. Babar Azam will also be among runs, and if the runs are in early, then the pressure is off. I don’t think Pakistan’s middle order will be exposed against the Netherlands. Haris Rauf will have to forget his warm-up match performance against Australia, especially with Naseem Shah not there,” he stated.
“I still feel Pakistan is one of the favorites to reach the semi finals, but several people have lost faith in this team. This match will not confirm whether the team will make it or not, but it certainly would be a start,” he added.