The Netherlands became the final team to qualify for this prestigious event after finishing in the top two of the ICC World Cup qualifying round played in Zimbabwe this year. They perform brilliantly defeating the likes of West Indies chasing down a massive target.
They needed to defeat Scotland in allocated overs and did in style to qualify for this mega event. The Netherlands has named a strong unit that has experience playing in England and can any big team on their day. Their first match will see them face Pakistan on 6th October at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.
Here we look at the SWOT Analysis of the Netherlands Team for World Cup 2023
Strengths
The Netherlands team has a well-balanced unit that can contribute with both bat and ball. Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Colin Ackermann, and Rolef Van der Merwe can do the job with both bat and ball. There are other options for the Netherlands squad that create pressure on the opponent team with their all-round skills.
Under the captaincy of Scott Edwards, the Dutch can surprise any big opponent on their day. They can come and play attacking cricket to put pressure during important games.
Weakness
The conditions are likely to assist spin bowlers that the Dutch side does not like to play. During the ICC World Cup qualifiers, the Netherlands struggled against Hasranaga. Each of the 9 teams has top-quality spinners that can trouble the batters.
Another major area of concern for the Netherlands side is their spin attack. Roelf van der Merwe and Ayan Dutt are the two options during the tournament while Scott Edwards needs to depend upon the part-time spinners that might create trouble making sure they restrict the opponents to chaseable totals.
Opportunities
The Netherlands can prove the world wrong with something brilliant. They are not expected to reach the knockout stage but if they can string some good performances, their ability to stun teams would be a reality.
Scott Edwards and Co will rub shoulders with top-quality nations like England, New Zealand, Australia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. If they can showcase their unity, then there may be an upset on the cards.
Threats
The threat for the Netherlands during this World Cup would be the inexperience of playing at the World Cup during senior level. Most of the players would take part in their first 50 over World Cup and would be nervous against big nations.
They need to be at their best to defeat the likes of India, New Zealand, Australia, England and other nations.
Netherlands Squad for WC 2023
Scott Edwards (captain), 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
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