In the ongoing World Cup 2023, Pakistan played against the Netherlands in their first match where they emerged victorious by 81 runs. On the back of this win, Pakistan grabbed 2 crucial points while Babar Azam would have done a bit more with his willow. Despite a below-average run against the Netherlands, Babar’s fan base has not reduced as fans kept on chanting his name at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
A video of the same is doing rounds on social media where Pakistan’s skipper chants can be heard at the stadium. Here's the video:
After the match, Babar stated that he was quite happy to see the support the Men in Green are getting ever since they reached Hyderabad.
"The way Hyderabad supports us, we are very happy. Our team is enjoying the hospitality. Pretty satisfied, credit to the bowlers, the way started well and the way we took wickets in the middle overs. We lost three wickets, the way Rizwan and Saud batted put pressure on the Netherlands. Saud built his innings and played well. He has improved a lot. Our bowlers bowled very well, we stuck to our plans, Haris bowled quick and took wickets," he said after the game.
Pakistan’s Said Shakeel got the player of the match after producing heroics with the bat, making 68 runs off 52 balls after the team lost the top three batters early in the innings.
"Tried to be positive and score runs for the team. Nerves were there, we lost 3 wickets but I was fortunate enough to get early boundaries. We knew the pressure would go back to them if we got a start. I think the last 2-3 months I've been playing hard, I knew I'd bat number 5 for Pakistan and have been developing my shots according to that - sweeps and reverse sweeps. Thanks to the crowd as well, and I want to thank my coach as well for helping me out," said Shakeel.