Cricket: Pak survive Dutch scare to register 9-run win, clinch series 3-0

Story by  ATV | Posted by  Nakul Shivani | Date 22-08-2022
Pakistan cricket team with the series cup
Pakistan cricket team with the series cup

 

Rotterdam

The Netherlands produced a compelling performance to come close to beating Pakistan in the third and final ODI but the visitors held their nerve to win by nine runs and clinch the series 3-0 on Sunday.

Despite the 0-3 loss, the Netherlands showcased fight and played some exemplary cricket right through the series.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan did not have a great start as the Netherlands' bowlers impressed with the new ball. Vivian Kingma prized out debutant Abdullah Shafique in the second over of the innings.

Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam then rebuilt for Pakistan before the hosts managed to find a breakthrough when Logan van Beek cleaned up Zaman for 26 in the 18th over.  

Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 206 in 49.4 overs.

In reply, the Netherlands too had a poor start. Naseem Shah continued to make a strong impression on the tour as he sent back Max O'Dowd and Musa Ahmed inside the first 10 overs to give the visitors a rousing start.

The 19-year-old speedster finished with his career-best figures of 5 for 33.

The hosts led by opener Vikramjit and in-form Cooper, pushed Pakistan in the run chase. Vikramjit completed his second half-century in the series while Cooper made it three fifties in three outings. But neither inning was enough to give the home side the final push needed for a win.

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They eventually were bowled out for 197 in 49.2 overs handing the visitors a 3-0 clean sweep in the series.