After securing two unexpected victories in the ongoing World Cup, the Netherlands, considered underdogs, are now seeking recognition from the ICC for a 'major nation' status, as stated by batting all-rounder Bas de Leede. The Netherlands, the sole Associate Nation participating in the World Cup, shocked many by defeating South Africa with a 38-run lead in Dharamsala.
On the following Saturday, with a target of 229, they managed to bowl out Bangladesh at 142, achieving another surprising win with a significant 87-run difference.
"Every win we get is going to be big for us and for cricket in the Netherlands. We want to inspire young kids to take up the game," De Leede mentioned during a post-match press conference at Eden Gardens.
"And we also want to try and get the ICC's attention to start looking at us as a potentially bigger nation in the coming years. So definitely every win helps."
However, it remains uncertain if the ICC will consider the Netherlands' request for Test status and increased visibility. One of the key factors in granting a country Test status is the domestic cricket infrastructure, and Dutch players often participate in county cricket for better exposure.
Meanwhile, their prospects of reaching the semi-finals seem challenging. They need to win all their upcoming three matches and rely on other teams' outcomes to be in their favour.
Currently holding four points from six games, the Netherlands' next match is against Afghanistan in Lucknow on November 3. They will then compete against the current champions, England, in Pune on November 8 and wrap up their campaign against host nation India in Bengaluru on November 12.
"It depends how other teams do, how big our chances are for the semi-final. But for us the goal is to keep winning as many games as we can," expressed De Leede.
"There're a couple of games where we haven't played our best, but then again today we did. And if we can do that again for the next three games, who knows where we will finish." The Netherlands displayed a strategic understanding of the conditions, first setting a commendable score and then limiting their opponents with a smart short-ball approach.
"It was a tricky pitch and wasn't the easiest track to bat on. It wasn't easy to score runs. And us having runs on the board, I think it was very clear what we needed to do. With the pacers, it being a little bit up and down, spin staying a bit low," De Leede elaborated.
"I don't think it was the easiest pitch to bat. So, yeah, a little bit surprised," he concluded.
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