PAK vs NED: Logan Van Beek Takes 'Brilliant Reflex Catch' to Dismiss Fakhar Zaman - WATCH

The Netherlands pulled off a roaring start to their ODI World Cup opener against Pakistan. The Dutch pace unit shone with the new ball, sending off three opposition batters during the first ten overs. Logan Van Beek initiated the wicket-taking spree when he dismissed Fakhar Zaman in the fourth over. Van Beek bowled a length delivery to Zaman, who misjudged the pace of the ball. The Pakistan opener managed to connect it but lacked in timing. The ball hit the middle of the ball but ended up finding the clasp of Van Beek, who made no mistake to complete the catch. During his short-lived 15-ball innings, Zaman smashed three boundaries to score 15 runs.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) shared a clip of Logan Van Beek’s exceptional effort on Instagram and the post was an instant hit. “A brilliant reflex catch by Logan van Beek,” the caption of the video read.

Fans wasted no time to underline Van Beek’s commendable athleticism. They also appreciated the other Netherlands bowlers, referring to their dominance over the Pakistan top order. Some reckoned the Dutch brigade could become a dark horse of this World Cup edition.

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After the early wicket of Fakhar Zaman, Pakistani fans had their faith in captain Babar Azam. But the world’s no 1 ODI batter failed to match the expectations. He managed to survive only 18 balls before Colin Ackermann trapped him for a catch with a slower delivery. Babar returned to the hut after contributing only 8 runs to the scoresheet.

Zaman’s opening partner, Imam ul Haq also got dismissed in the next over. Imam edged a short delivery off Paul Van Meekeren, with Aryan Dutt taking an easy catch at the fine leg. Imam made 15 runs in 19 deliveries, a knock which was laced with a couple of boundaries.

Thanks to contributions from Muhammed Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, Pakistan were able to register a target of 286 with both of them scoring 68 runs a piece.

Thanks to Pakistan’s bowling attack, the side were able to register a win by 81 runs. Haris Rauf was the star as he picked three wickets while Hasan Ali picked two wickets. The rest of the bowlers including Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Ifthikar Ahmed and Mohammed Nawaz picked a wicket each to help their side secure their first win in their World Cup campaign.