With their 16-run win against the Netherlands in the first one-day international on Tuesday, Pakistan climbed to fourth place with 100 points in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League standings. If Pakistan can win both of their remaining series against New Zealand and Afghanistan, they would have secured their spot in next year’s main tournament with 120 points if they win this week in Rotterdam.
Thanks to their victory in the first ODI, the Men in Green have moved up to fourth place in the standings, passing New Zealand in the process. England is now first with 125 points, followed closely by Bangladesh with 120 points.
After a cautious start that saw Pakistan reach 100 for 1 in 23 overs, Fakhar Zaman scored his seventh ODI century to lead his team to an impressive 314 for six.
During a run-a-ball 109 that featured 12 fours but just one six, Fakhar displayed glimpses of his brilliance, talent, and talents with the willow. His 74 off 85 balls with six fours and a six was part of a lively and entertaining 168-run second wicket partnership with the skipper, Babar Azam.
Shadab Khan added his name to the run parade, batting not out for 48 off just 28 balls (with four fours and two sixes) to go along with Fakhar and Babar’s scores. After his first innings, Salman Ali Agha returned not out on 27 as he and Shadab put on 48 runs in 25 deliveries without losing a wicket. On his own, Khushdil Shah contributed a 21-point knockout off only 18 balls.
Despite brilliant fifty-plus efforts from Vikramjit Singh, Tom Cooper, and Scott Edwards, the home team was only able to score 298-8 because to the combined efforts of the fast bowling trio of Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Wasim Junior.
Thursday will see Game 2 of the series, and Sunday will see the last game of the tour.
