Pakistan began their World Cup 2023 journey in the best possible way. The Men in Green saw off the Dutch challenge in Hyderabad. Pakistan beat the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium by a margin of 81 runs.
This encounter marked the World Cup debut for Babar Azam as a captain, and his debut as a cricketer on Indian soil.
And boy oh boy, did the Indian crowd welcome the Pakistani superstar! The spectators at the Rajiv Gandhi stadium chanted Babar's name during the match.
How many matches has Babar played in India?
Pakistan's match against Netherlands was Babar's first experience in India as a player, let alone as a captain.
In fact, the Hyderabad crowd chanted Babar Azam's name as Pakistan played their ICC ODI World Cup-opener against Netherlands on Friday. The Pakistan skipper was moved by the sweet gesture from the Indian crowd.
BABAR BABAR 👑
— Mr Uzi (@Mr_Uziii) October 6, 2023
- Crowd Chanting For Babar Azam !
- Lovely Gestures From The People Of Hyderabad India !!#PAKvsAUS #BabarAzam𓃵 #BabarAzam #CWC23 #fridaymorning pic.twitter.com/2b4RsTwGbl
What did Babar say about the crowd in Hyderabad?
Babar Azam acknowledged the gesture from the spectators at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The Pakistan skipper thanked the crowd for their support towards Pakistan during the match.
"The way Hyderabad's crowd supported us, we are really happy and thankful", Babar said in the post-match presentation.
Azam also applauded the likes of Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, who played clinical knocks that helped Pakistan set a decent target for Netherlands.
MORE: Who is the leading run-scorer at Cricket World Cup 2023?
What next for Pakistan?
After beating Netherlands, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in their second match at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The two Asian nations will lock horns at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on October 10.
