Netherlands vs Sri Lanka Prediction: The Netherlands shocked everyone by winning their last game against South Africa

Netherlands and Sri Lanka are going head to head in the 19th game of the ICC World Cup 2023 at Ekana Sports City, Lucknow, Lucknow, India on 21st October. The Netherlands shocked everyone by winning their last game against South Africa. Can they continue this momentum? Who will win this game?

Few anticipated the Netherlands to make a significant impact in the ongoing World Cup, especially given their more than a decade-long absence from the tournament. Nonetheless, they displayed a remarkable show of teamwork, surprising many by defeating South Africa on Tuesday in what was one of the tournament's biggest upsets.

This victory marked only the third in the team's World Cup history and their first triumph against a Full Member nation in the World Cup. Scott Edwards took charge and played a remarkable innings, rescuing his team from a precarious situation after a top and middle order collapse. Despite losing 7 wickets for just 145 runs, Edwards remained unbeaten on 78 and formed crucial partnerships with Roelof van der Merwe and Aryan Dutt, enabling the Netherlands to post a formidable total of 245 in a rain-affected match.

While the team's star batsman, Max O'Dowd, has been struggling for form, opening partner Vikramjit Singh and the all-rounders, including Logan van Beek and Colin Ackermann, have displayed moments of brilliance and will be pivotal in maintaining the team's winning momentum.

The pace attack, comprising Bas De Leede, Paul van Meekeren, and van Beek, has been in good form, amassing a total of 16 wickets. However, they have proven to be expensive at times and need to improve their line and length.

Roelof van der Merwe, who has taken 2 wickets in each of his last two outings, will spearhead the spin attack alongside Aryan Dutt.

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

Before the commencement of this tournament, Sri Lanka was in excellent form, boasting the second-longest winning streak in the history of ODI cricket. However, their confidence took a severe hit after a humiliating defeat at the hands of India in the recent Asia Cup finals, leading to a downward spiral in their fortunes.

In the current tournament, Sri Lanka has faced a string of losses, having been unable to secure a single victory in the three matches they've played, making them the only team yet to claim a win.

While the overall team performance has been disappointing, there have been some bright spots within the Sri Lankan lineup. Kusal Mendis, who has assumed leadership in place of the injured Dasun Shanaka, has been in fine batting form and is expected to play a crucial role in the middle order, alongside Sadeera Samarawickrama.

Pathum Nissanka has been a consistent performer in the opening slot, recording back-to-back half-centuries in the lead-up to this match. Sri Lanka's main concern lies in their limited batting depth. Additionally, their all-rounders, namely Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, and Dunith Wellalage, have displayed inconsistency.

Turning to the bowling department, with the exception of Dilshan Madushanka, none of the bowlers have made a significant impact. Matheesha Pathirana conceded close to 10 runs per over in the first two matches and was subsequently replaced by Lahiru Kumara in the last match, with no marked improvement.

Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana, who had previously showcased good form during the Asia Cup, have struggled to pick up wickets in this tournament. The bowling unit will need to step up their game if Sri Lanka aims to return to the path of victory.

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (C & WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka

The toss appears to have minimal influence on the match's outcome, as teams batting first and second have similar success rates. Nevertheless, considering this is a day match, it is advisable to bat first. The pitch at Lucknow has displayed varying characteristics. While South Africa managed to score 311 runs in the first match, Australia and Sri Lanka struggled to even reach the 200-run mark. The surface is anticipated to be slightly damp with some grass covering.

Batsmen will need to establish themselves before attempting big shots. Although the average first-inning score hovers around 210, teams batting first will target a minimum of 270 runs.

The weather forecast predicts bright and sunny conditions with temperatures ranging from 27 to 31 degrees Celsius. Despite Sri Lanka's recent dip in form, they have a promising opportunity to reverse their fortunes in this game. However, the Netherlands, following their victory against South Africa, has proven that they cannot be underestimated, promising an exciting contest.

Our prediction leans towards a Sri Lankan victory.