The upcoming clash in the ODI World Cup 2023 is set to feature the Netherlands squaring off against Sri Lanka at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on October 21.
While the Netherlands have won just one out of their three matches, placing them in the eighth spot, Sri Lanka is yet to secure a win, languishing at the bottom of the table.
In their recent match, the Netherlands has given a major upset to South Africa, where the latter won the toss and opted to field.
South Africa’s chase never really took off as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals, leading to a shocking 38-run victory for the Netherlands.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka faced Australia in their last match, winning the toss and electing to bat. Sri Lanka’s innings took a drastic downturn as they were bundled out for just 209. Despite the small target, Australia faced some initial hiccups in their chase but managed to secure a five-wicket victory.
The Netherlands’ journey in the current World Cup has been nothing short of extraordinary. They have defied expectations after qualifying for the tournament following a decade-long absence.
While Max O’Dowd, the team’s star batsman, has not been in the best of form, opening partner Vikramjit Singh and a group of talented all-rounders, including Logan van Beek and Colin Ackermann, have shown flashes of brilliance.
The pace attack, consisting of Bas De Leede, Paul van Meekeren, and van Beek, has been in good form, picking up 16 wickets, albeit at times being a touch expensive.
The Netherlands’ spin attack will be led by Roelof van der Merwe and Aryan Dutt, who have each picked up two wickets in their previous outings.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, entered the World Cup with a strong track record but has struggled to find success. The team has faced defeat in all three of its matches and remains the only side yet to secure a win.
Kusal Mendis, who took over the captaincy from the injured Dasun Shanaka, has shown good form with the bat and is a key player in the middle order alongside Sadeera Samarawickrama. Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka has also performed well, registering back-to-back half-centuries in the lead-up to this match.
However, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup lacks depth, which has been a significant concern for the team. Inconsistent performances from all-rounders Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, and Dunith Wellalage have further compounded their struggles.
The bowling department has also posed challenges for Sri Lanka, with only Dilshan Madushanka making a notable impact. The form of bowlers such as Matheesha Pathirana and Lahiru Kumara has been a cause for concern.
Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana, who performed well in the Asia Cup, have failed to secure wickets in this tournament. Sri Lanka’s bowlers will need to step up their game to help the team return to winning ways.
NED vs SL Predicted Playing XI
Netherland: Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara/Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka
Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023: Top 3 Captain Picks For NED vs SL Fantasy Team
