In September this year, there was enough hype surrounding Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime Minister, walking around Bengaluru city and using India’s UPI system to pay his bills. A couple of months later, it is time for Netherlands’ cricket players to experience the sheer passion and adoration of the fans when they take on India in a World Cup encounter at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Emotions are certain to hit fever pitch when the home team take the field on Sunday.
So, what to expect from the Men in Orange? The tournament has been a good learning experience for the Dutch side. The Netherlands have also played well in patches, winning a couple of games, including one against South Africa, who finished the league phase in second place.
Scott Edwards, the skipper, and Sybrand Engelbrecht, the former South African cricketer, have been the two mainstays of the batting unit. The Netherlands’ issues have been at the top of the order, with Wesley Barresi, Vikramjit Singh and MaxO’Dowd all failing to contribute. Teja Nidamanuru, who was expected to up the ante in the middle order, has also not found the right gears.
On the brighter side, the bowlers have put up some noteworthy performances. Bas de Leede, Logan van Beek and Paul van Meekeren have combined to share 37 wickets between them. De Leede conceded the most runs in an ODI in the game versus Australia. But his tendency to try different variations has also ensured that he has taken crucial wickets. Meanwhile, Aryan Dutt, the off-spinner, has bowled some parsimonious spells.
India, their opponent, are on an unbeaten run and would have an eye on the grand prize – hoisting the World Cup trophy. Rohit Sharma and the rest of the think-tank would want India to continue the winning momentum. The skipper himself has been in fine form, averaging 55.25. More importantly, those runs have come at a strike rate of over 120. Rohit also was in good nick in practice, launching some big sixes, including one off Mohammad Siraj.
Then there is Virat Kohli, who is just one hundred away from breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most tons in ODI cricket. If he reaches that glittering milestone in front of his franchise team’s fans, the stadium would reverberate with deafening noise and loud cheers. It isn’t just India’s batting that is functioning well, but the five-man attack has also been relentless. It feels as if Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja are the main parts of a Rolls-Royce car – all smooth and powerful.
If the Netherlands post an unlikely win, they could still qualify for the Champions Trophy. But they know that the task in front of them is a daunting one.
Venue and Time Details
November 12, 2PM IST, Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
Expected conditions
It could be another of those Chinnaswamy decks that offers even bounce. There was a brief spell of rain on Saturday, but showers due to the Northeast Monsoon seem to have mostly cleared up. The weather forecast for tomorrow is also promising. The forecast also predicts 55 per cent humidity, which could result in some dew during the second innings.
Possible XIs
Rahul Dravid, the India coach, indicated during the press conference that they might retain the same side. Although there is an option of resting Bumrah and trying out Prasidh Krishna, India’s hit-the-deck specialist.
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah/Prasidh Krishna
The Dutch outfit also may think of going in with the same side that went down to England.
Netherlands: Wesley Barresi, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Scott Edwards (capt/wk), Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeran.
Match-up
Kohli versus Roelof van der Merwe: The left-arm spinner is known for bowling with good control and within the line of the stumps. On the other hand, the fulcrum of the Indian batting unit has had an issue or two against left-arm spin. Van Meekeren could also trouble Kohli. The tall seamer extracts a good amount of bounce and will look to bowl in the channel just outside the off stump.
Teams Speak
“We have had six days off since the last game. We are pretty well rested. The guys are in good shape. We have six days off and just one game before the semi-final, boys are rested, so… that is all I will say.” – Rahul Dravid, India coach.
“I think they’ve played some incredible cricket over the tournament, obviously won all their matches, and played some dominating cricket as well. Top of the table for a reason. You can see it. They’ve got a high quality of players. They look very well organised and obviously favourites for the tournament going forward.” – Ryan Cook, the Netherlands coach.