Team preview: Netherlands
Overview
They have a strong record in T20 World Cups, and although Pieter Seelaar's team are placed 18th in the MRF Tyres ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings, behind many of their opponents, they will feel that position does not do justice to the talent of their squad.
With a significant number of players who ply their trade on the English county circuit, the Netherlands will feel they have an advantage in the depth of experience present in their squad.
A recent string of five consecutive losses, book-ended by wins over Ireland and Hong Kong, may have left the squad a little low on confidence, but they will no doubt be motivated to perform at their best by the lure of a spot in the main tournament in Australia next year.
Listen to an interview by @cricclubs/@CricketBadge with @Roela52 - who hit his 2nd T20I fifty - after the Netherlands beat Hong Kong yesterday in the final match of the pentangular series@cambo_19 @jimmyhilditch @chrisliddle11 pic.twitter.com/lDOEuoO36S
— Cricket🏏Netherlands (@KNCBcricket) October 11, 2019
How they got here
Placed 14th in the Men's T20I team rankings at the cut-off date of 31 December 2018, the Netherlands progressed automatically to the Qualifier.
T20WC history
The Netherlands have qualified for three previous editions of the T20 World Cup, in 2009, 2014, and 2016. Their most succesful campaign was in 2014, when they topped their first round group to qualify for the second group stage. They then recorded their second T20 World Cup victory over England, whom they had previously defeated at Lord's in 2009, although it was not enough to see them through to the semi-finals.
Key player
Ryan ten Doeschate – A vastly experienced player, with nearly 350 T20s under his belt, the Netherlands will be looking to ten Doeschate to provide stability to their batting. He will also be of invaluable help to Pieter Seelaar, with his captaincy duties.
One to watch
Scott Edwards – The young wicketkeeper-batsman is yet to register his maiden T20I fifty, but has provided his team with several explosive innings. He may well be the edge that pushes the Netherlands past their competition and on to Australia.
Fixtures
18 October: v Kenya, ICC Academy, Dubai
19 October: v Namibia, ICC Academy, Dubai
22 October: v Singapore, ICC Academy, Dubai
24 October: v Papua New Guinea, ICC Academy, Dubai
26 October: v Bermuda, Dubai International Stadium, Dubai
27 October: v Scotland, Dubai International Stadium, Dubai
Squad
Pieter Seelaar (c), Colin Ackermann, Philippe Boissevain, Ben Cooper, Scott Edwards, Brandon Glover, Fred Klaassen, Max O'Dowd, Shane Snater, Antonius Staal, Ryan ten Doeschate, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Tobias Visée