The Netherlands will go into their clash with Sri Lanka at the iconic Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadiumin Lucknow high on confidence and anticipating another upset. Their recent performance against South Africa, where they painted the gloomy Dharamshala sky orange, has the Dutch squad brimming with belief and eager to recreate those heroics.
In stark contrast, Sri Lanka are grappling with their own set of challenges, and are currentlythe only winless team in the tournament. Another loss in this crucial fixture could spell curtains for their hopes of making it to the top four.
While Sri Lanka boast a more impressive lineup on paper, coupled with a wealth of experience gained from consistent international cricket throughout the year, recent performances paint a different picture. The Dutch, with their newfound form and fearless approach, appear to have the edge.
The Netherlands’ bowling displays has been nothing short of remarkable, accounting for an impressive 26 wickets. Among that bowling unit, Logan van Beek’s medium-pace expertise and Roelof van der Merwe’s crafty slow left-arm off-spin are expected to be pivotal in limiting Sri Lanka’s scoring opportunities.
For Sri Lanka, their prospects hinge largely on the young and dynamic Dilshan Madushanka, who has exhibited exceptional rhythm with his pace bowling. The 23-year-old Madushanka has accounted for seven of the 14 wickets taken by Sri Lanka in this World Cup, and been formidable with the new ball. Against the Dutch top order, his left-arm pace could make a significant impact.
Scott Edwards, the Netherlands captain, played a pivotal innings against South Africa that proved to be the game-changer. His leadership thereafter ensured that South Africa got nowhere close to their target.
Both teams are likely to emphasise spin bowling at the Ekana Stadium, where the slower wickets have tended to favour spinners. Both teams are likely to introduce spin early. Given the ground’s average score of 249, winning the toss becomes a significant advantage, as the team that does so would likely opt to set a total before a deteriorating pitch makes chases difficult. Sri Lanka’s strategy will rely on the talents of MaheeshTheekshana and DunithWellalage, the emerging sensation.
Time and Venue Details:
October 21, 10:30am IST, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
Expected Conditions
The pitch will favour the spinners, with it most likely being a low scoring contest.
Possible XIs
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, KusalPerera, KusalMendis, SadeeraSamarawickrama, CharithAsalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, DunithWellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, MaheeshTheekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka.
Netherlands:Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards, Saqib Zulfiqar, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren.
Match ups
Madushanka vs Edwards: While Madushanka is in in great bowling form, the captain of the Dutch side played a fantastic knock which showcased his class at the highest level. It will be interesting to see who gets the better of this contest.
Team Speak:
“There is a pressure to win this game. The last couple of games we have been performing on and off well in departments, but we are yet to produce a tidy game so far.” – Naveed Nawaz, Sri Lanka assistant coach.
“I don’t think I’ll call a win against Sri Lanka an upset if I’m being honest with you. We are here to play well and win.” – Teja Nidamanuru, Netherlands middle-order bat.