With a score of 68 runs in the match against the Netherlands, Pakistan players Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel joins the list of highest score for Pakistan in their World Cup debut.
Highest scores for Pakistan in World Cup debut
With New Zealand winning against England in the World Cup Openers, Pakistan is scheduled to play in the second match of the World Cup 2023 against the Netherlands on October 6 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Winning the toss, Netherlands chose to bat. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq opened the innings while Aryan Dutt opened the bowling attack. The openers failed to create an impression as Fakhar Zaman was sent out with 12 runs by Van Beek while Babar Azam’s dismissal for 5 runs by Ackermann.
With Imam dismissed by Van Meekeren for 15 runs, Pakistan was down to three wickets for 38 runs. On this occasion, Mohammad Rizwan came to the rescue scoring 68 runs, and was dismissed by Bas de Leede. Saud Shakeel was impressive as he scored 68 runs on 52 deliveries and was dismissed by Aryan Dutt.
With Iftikhar Ahmed’s dismissal with 9 runs by Leede, Pakistan lost 6 wickets scoring 188 runs on the last ball of the 32nd over. Mohammad Nawaz scored 39 runs while Leede dismissed Shadab Khan for 32 runs. Other batters were dismissed with low figures and by the end of 49 overs, Pakistan lost all 10 wickets scoring 286 runs.
Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel were impressive as they scored 68 runs each in their World Cup debut. The 31-year-old Rizwan has made an appearance in 65 ODI matches and scored a total of 1693 runs with an average of 36.80. He scored 115 runs against Australia in 2018 which remains his career best.
On the other hand, Saud Shakeel had made 7 ODI appearances and scored 76 runs with an average of 19.00. With a score of 68 runs against Netherlands in the World Cup joins the list of highest scores for Pakistan in World Cup debut. Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel stand in 5th and 6th position in achieving this feat.
Highest scores on World Cup debut for Pakistan
- 82 – Mohsin Khan vs SL, Swansea, 1983
- 78* – Asad Shafique vs ZIM, Pallekele, 2011
- 76 – Rameez Raja vs SL, Hyderabad (PAK), 1987
- 71 – Umar Akmal vs KEN, Hambantota, 2011
- 68 – Mohammad Rizwan vs NED, Hyderabad, 2023
- 68 – Saud Shakeel vs NED, Hyderabad, 2023
