On Friday, October 6, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Pakistan will play their opening match of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 against the Netherlands.

Ahead of the major tournament, the weather spoiled a few warm-up matches, causing Team India to lose both of its games. Rain is not expected for the Dutchmen's matchup against Babar Azam's club on Saturday, though.

During the game, the temperature will be in the range of 26 to 28 degrees Celsius. However, there is no chance of rain, so things can continue unhindered. According to weather.com, the game will end with a low of 24°C, although a high of 31°C is expected during the event.

Because of the game's weather, it is anticipated that there would be minimal purchases of pacers, with humidity levels between 43% and 70%.

Predicted Playing XI 

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali
Netherlands: Vikramjit Singh, Max ODowd, Wesley Barresi, Bas de Leede, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (C), Roelof van de Merwe, Logan van Beek, Paul van Meekeren, Aryan Dutt

Key Players to Watch Out

Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Babar would be sad that his squad did not advance to the Asia Cup 2023 final. The World Cup provides him with an opportunity to solidify his legacy in Pakistani cricket, and he has a relatively easier opponent to face in the first match, which should help him find his feet in the competition more quickly.

In 108 ODIs, he averages 58.16 with a strike rate of 89.12. The batter has 28 half-centuries and 19 centuries to his name and will be looking to add a few more tonnes during this competition.

Vikramjit Singh (Netherlands)

It will be heavily expected of the 20-year-old left-handed opener to often lead the Netherlands to successful World Cup openings. In 25 ODIs, he has amassed 808 runs and four half-centuries to his credit.

Although Vikramjit is a skilled spin bowler, he will first need to withstand the storm caused by Pakistan's speed attack with the new ball.