The Netherlands showed a good account of themselves against Pakistan having them under the pump at 38/2 before allowing the game to drift away. Even with the bat, Vikramjit Malik and Bas de Leede had given the time a fighting chance against the below-par Pakistan side in their first match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad on Friday.
But come Monday, the Netherlands go up against the New Zealand side that practically steamrolled the defending champions and pre-tournament favourites England, and they will know that the finalists of the last two editions may not give them an inch to breathe as Pakistan did.
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Their most experienced campaigner Roelof Van Der Merwe knows that to put up a fight against the Kiwis, his team will not only have to bring out their A game but will have to seize any openings that come their way. Sustain pressure is what the 38-year-old called. However, the Netherlands are not a team to be overwhelmed by their opponents and executing their gameplans will could be decisive.
As for New Zealand, the mood in the camp was a relaxed one during the final practice session, but Glenn Phillips guarded against complacency, stating that they are not going to take any team lightly.
The Uppal surface during the practice games played like a belter but the PAK vs NED game did see the ball stopping a bit and a bit of turn also was expected by spinners from either side. The surface won’t be the same as used for the Pakistan game, but as Van Der Merwe put it, the nature of the pitch won’t be much different.
What: New Zealand vs. Netherlands, Match 6, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
When: October 9, 2023, 2:00 PM IST
Where: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad
Team News:
New Zealand
Coach Gary Stead said earlier today that while Kane Williamson is progressing well, he will not be part of the playing XI for tomorrow as Tom Latham is set to continue leading the side. However, the good news is that both pacers Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee are available for selection – even though a call on Southee will be taken after the final X-ray report, it looks like he will make it. That essentially will mean Matt Henry, who picked up three wickets against England, could be the unlucky one to miss out.
Probable XI: 1. Devon Conway, 2. Will Young, 3. Rachin Ravindra, 4. Daryl Mitchell, 5. Tom Latham(w/c), 6. Glenn Phillips, 7. Mark Chapman, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Trent Boult, 10. Lockie Ferguson, 11. Tim Southee
Netherlands
The Netherlands will miss the services of their most experienced pacer in Logan Van Beek who is sidelined owing to hamstring niggle. Even though there is a slight possibility of him making the XI tomorrow, the decision will be taken tomorrow morning only after assessing him further. In that case, the Netherlands could be either Ryan Klein or Shariz Ahmad.
Probable XI: 1. Vikramjit Singh, 2. Max O’Dowd, 3. Colin Ackermann, 4. Bas de Leede, 5. Teja Nidamanuru, 6. Scott Edwards(w/c), 7. Saqib Zulfiqar, 8. Roelof van der Merwe, 9. Aryan Dutt, 10. Paul van Meekeren, 11. Ryan Klein/Shariz Ahmad
Team Comments:
The Netherlands have a lot of strong players, and we’re going to have to still put our best foot forward, as I’m sure they will. So, keep coming up with our plans, doing our scouting, making sure that we have everything set in place, and not taking any team lightly – NZ’s Glenn Phillips
They [NZ] are a very organized skilful team so we know what we’re up against a quality team but if we play the way we play and execute how we want to – we can put them under pressure and win the game – The Netherlands’ Roelof Van Der Merwe
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