Gearing up for the much-anticipated ODI World Cup 2023, slated to be held in India this October and November, the Netherlands has rolled out its dynamic 15-member squad. The inclusion of seasoned cricketers alongside emerging talent underscores the team's aim for a balanced mix.
Scott Edwards, a proven leader with commendable prowess on the cricket field, is primed to captain the Dutch brigade. Adding further muscle and experience to the lineup is the strategic recall of Roelof van der Merwe and Colin Ackermann. Notably, this accomplished pair was absent when the Netherlands clinched their place for this year's World Cup via their commendable second-place finish at the ODI World Cup Qualifier.
The Netherlands' squad also features two Indian (Vikram Singh, Teja Nidamanuru) and as many Pakistan-origin (Saqib Zulfiqar, Shariz Ahmad) cricketers.
As the World Cup's six-week cricketing extravaganza looms on the Indian subcontinent, the return of van der Merwe and Ackermann injects added vigor and expertise into the Dutch camp. Their illustrious domestic and international cricket profiles resonate with match-winning performances, making them invaluable assets for the Netherlands' World Cup aspirations.
Under Edwards' leadership, which already has the feather of an impressive stint during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia, the team is poised for a formidable showcase. Ackermann, celebrated as the Netherlands' second-highest run-scorer in the aforementioned T20 tournament, and van der Merwe's all-round cricketing capabilities, further bolster their prospects.
The cricketing fraternity is also abuzz with anticipation for what opener Max O'Dowd might unleash in India, with his reputation for being a prolific run-scorer. Simultaneously, star all-rounder Bas de Leede's anticipated dual-role exploits, both with the bat and ball, promise electrifying matches. Overseeing this spirited lineup is the expertise of head coach Ryan Cook, who has charted an intense preparation journey that includes warm-up matches against giants Australia and India on September 30 and October 3, respectively.
Setting the stage for their World Cup journey, the Netherlands is slated for a thrilling encounter against Pakistan on October 6 in the vibrant city of Hyderabad. With a judicious blend of experience and fresh talent, the Netherlands is undeniably a team to watch out for in this World Cup edition.
Netherlands' 15-member 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, and Sybrand Engelbrecht.
Netherlands ODI World Cup 2023 Full schedule
FIXTURE | DATE | VENUE |
Netherlands vs Pakistan | October 6 | Hyderabad |
Netherlands vs New Zealand | October 9 | Hyderabad |
Netherlands vs South Africa | October 17 | Dharamsala |
Netherlands vs Sri Lanka | October 21 | Lucknow |
Netherlands vs Australia | October 25 | Delhi |
Netherlands vs Bangladesh | October 28 | Kolkata |
Netherlands vs Afghanistan | November 3 | Lucknow |
Netherlands vs England | November 8 | Pune |
Netherlands vs India | November 11 | Bengaluru |
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