Crucial match looms for Australia and Netherlands in Delhi
Wednesday 25 October, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Australia have struck form in recent times with consecutive victories over Sri Lanka and Pakistan helping the five-time champions move to fourth on the standings and into what would be the final qualification spot for the semi-finals.
It Takes One Day: Episode 16: preview of Australia v Netherlands at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 with former Australia and Netherlands all-rounder Dirk Nannes and ICC Digital Insider Crystal Arnold
They will be keen to maintain that momentum with another victory in Delhi and the likely return of in-form batter Travis Head will provide Australia with a timely boost against an extremely dangerous Netherlands outfit.
Netherlands shocked South Africa with a 38-run triumph in Dharamsala and will be looking for another big scalp in the form of Australia.
Skipper Scott Edwards has been leading from the front for the Netherlands thus far with a total of 124 runs, while star all-rounder Bas de Leede has seven wickets to be the team's top wicket-taker.
This pair will need to be at their best if the Netherlands are to cause an upset over the highly-fancied Australia.
Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is focused on making runs and being a back-up bowler at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
Netherlands squad: Scott Edwards (c), Max O'Dowd, Bas de Leede, Vikram Singh, Teja Nidamanuru, Paul van Meekeren, Colin Ackermann, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Ryan Klein, Wesley Barresi, Saqib Zulfiqar, Shariz Ahmad, Sybrand Engelbrecht.
Netherlands all-rounder Logan van Beek on living out the dream of playing at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in India
Australia - Adam Zampa
Australia's premier spinner is coming into strong form at just the right time, having taken consecutive four-wicket hauls against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in his two most recent appearances.
Zampa has his wrong-un working a treat and a niggling back concern has hardly been noticed as the right-armer has collected figures of 4/47 and 4/53 in consecutive matches.
The leggie will be hoping for another similar performance against the Dutch and his spell during the middle overs will be crucial to the outcome of the match.
Player of the Match highlights as Australia spinner Adam Zampa produced a game-changing spell of 4/47 to restrict Sri Lanka to a modest total at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
Netherlands - Max O'Dowd
The Dutch have got some good performances from their top six already in India, but their dynamic opener in O'Dowd is yet to really hit his straps with no scores greater than the 18 he managed against South Africa.
O'Dowd is capable of scoring quickly when on song and the Netherlands will be hoping it all clicks for the right-hander against the powerful Australia bowling line-up.
If O'Dowd can give the Dutch a fast start then there is a good chance the side will be able to post a competitive total.
Max O’Dowd’s scintillating knock for Netherlands against Nepal that helped his team to go through to Super Six at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023