Netherlands face challenge against in-form New Zealand
Monday 9 October, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
The sides got off to contrasting starts to their Cricket World Cup campaigns. While New Zealand avenged their 2019 World Cup Final loss with a thumping win against England in Ahmedabad, Netherlands fell short against Pakistan by a considerable margin in Hyderabad.
It Takes One Day: Episode 6: Gutsy Netherlands take on the unstoppable New Zealand in the sixth match of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
The Dutch can take some solace from their run against Pakistan, especially their bowling and top-order batting performance. However, they’ll need to punch way above their weight to challenge the Kiwis.
New Zealand were ruthless against England and will be further boosted by the expected return of Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson. However, Kane Williamson will miss the game as he is still trying to regain full fitness.
Netherlands: 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.
**New Zealand:**Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.
Rachin Ravindra is out to make his mark in India while playing for New Zealand at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
Vikramjit Singh was one of the few Dutch players to impress in their opening encounter against Pakistan.
The southpaw held the innings together with a solid 52, which included four fours and one six.
Bas De Leede is out to make his own mark on the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup while following in the footsteps of his father Tim De Leede
If the Dutch middle-order, comprising of Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann and others is to make the best use of conditions, the likes of Vikramjit need to put up another good showing in Hyderabad.
A solid start will be the prerequisite for any Netherlands attempt to put their seal on the game.
The all-rounder didn’t have much to show for his bowling skills in the two overs he bowled against Pakistan, but can be a handy customer with the ball.
Superb tons from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra dominated the headlines, but New Zealand’s win in Ahmedabad was paved by some determined bowling. Leading the effort was Mitchell Santner with his 2/37.
Behind the scenes as Glenn Phillips and Mitch Santner go one-on-one at New Zealand training during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
Given the amount of help the Hyderabad surface gave to Dutch and Pakistan spinners, Santner’s role will become crucial on Monday. Santner's tight lines help control the scoring rate, and can bog down the opposition batters, forcing them to go for aggressive strokes.
And should the need arise, Santner can contribute down the order for New Zealand. He averages more than 27 with the bat in ODIs with a highest score of 67.
Match highlights as New Zealand thumped England at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023