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The ODI World Cup 2023 is well underway, the second game of the tournament will feature a clash between the Babar Azam-led Pakistan and the Netherlands on Friday, October 6 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Seeing as this will be the first game of the marquee event for both sides, they will be keen on putting in good performances and get off to a winning start. 

Pakistan have been in subpar form as of late. The side failed to go all the way in the Asia Cup 2023 after they were defeated by Sri Lanka in the virtual semi final of the tournament. Furthermore, they faced defeat in both of their warm up games for the World Cup. 

Pakistan took on Australia and New Zealand for their two warm up games. Despite Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s brilliant knocks in the first innings, New Zealand toppled Pakistan after a brilliant showing with the bat. Furthermore, after conceding 351 runs against Australia in the second warm up game, Pakistan did put up a brilliant showing with the bat but fell just short. 

Ifthikar Ahmed’s knock of 83 runs and Babar Azam’s knock of 90 runs was not enough to propel the side to a win. Pakistan scored 337 runs and lost the game by 14 runs. As their game against the Netherlands approaches, Pakistan will look to improve on their performances and win their first game of the season. 

On the other hands, the Netherlands have been quite unlucky as of late. The side were supposed to take on Australia and India in their two warm up games. However, both games produced no result due to the matches being washed out due to rain. 

Going into the World Cup after minimal practice in the warm up clashes, it could be interesting to see how Netherlands fare against Pakistan.