ICC World Cup: Unprepared Netherlands show pluck but lose both games

In their two matches at the ICC World Cup in India, Netherlands have shown plenty of promise but they have not been able to match up to their opposition.

The Dutch started their campaign on a very wrong note as both their warm-up games were washed out since the tournament host, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had decided to keep their warm-ups in Thiruvananthapuram where rains were expected and eventually fell.

Not having warm-ups doesn’t affect other teams as much as it does an Associate nation like Netherlands, who get to play only limited amount of cricket against top teams.

However, the Dutch seemed to have put that behind and did well against Pakistan, restricting them to 286 before being bowled out for 205 in 41 overs in their opening World Cup match in Hyderabad.

All-rounder Bas de Leede was outstanding, picking 4/62 and scoring 67 off 68 balls with six fours and two sixes.

In their second match, the Dutch were up against New Zealand at the same venue.

They kept a check on the run rate of Kiwis before Mitchell Santner smashed 17-ball 36 towards the end, and took New Zealand beyond 300.

A target of 322 is chaseable but not for an inexperienced side like Netherlands especially against a top-notch side like New Zealand.

No. 3 batsman Colin Ackermann batted well to score 69 off 73 balls as Netherlands finished at 223 all out in 46.3 overs.

They may have stretched the Kiwis but for left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who picked 5/59 in his 10 overs.

The Dutch have also faced problem as ace all-rounder Logan van Beek couldn’t play against the Kiwis.

Netherlands next face South Africa, who they beat in T20 World Cup in Australia last year, on October 17 in Dharamsala.  

Cricket, World Cup, 2023 World Cup, ICC World Cup, Netherlands, Pakistan, New Zealand