ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2023: Match 14
Stadium: Takashinga Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe
24 June 2023
Netherlands and Nepal are going head to head against each other at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe on 24th June. The Netherlands needs to win the game to have a chance to go into the next stage. Who will win this game?
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Following their defeat in the opening match against hosts Zimbabwe, the Netherlands bounced back in their most recent fixture, securing their first points of the tournament with a victory over the USA. However, their upcoming match against the formidable West Indies in the group stage will be crucial as it will determine their fate in the competition.
Scott Edwards has showcased strong leadership by delivering half-centuries in both of his previous innings, providing stability to the middle order. The opening duo of Vikramjit Singh and Max O'Dowd, along with middle-order batsman Teja Nidamanuru, have also performed well, and the team will rely on them to deliver in this match.
However, Bas De Leede and Wesley Barresi have struggled to find their form thus far. Shifting the focus to the bowling department, there is room for improvement. Regular bowlers Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, and Clayton Floyd have struggled to find the right line and length, failing to pose a challenge to the opposing batsmen.
Ryan Klein, who made his tournament debut in the previous match, showed promise, and his performance will be worth watching in this match. If the Netherlands wants to secure a victory, they will need to enhance their bowling performance.
Netherlands Predicted Lineup
Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Wesley Barresi, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Shariz Ahmed, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Clayton Floyd, Ryan Klein
Nepal
Nepal has pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks in the history of One Day cricket to secure a spot in the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifiers. However, their fate now hinges on the outcome of this crucial match. With 2 points from the 3 matches, they have played so far, a loss in this match would lead to elimination, while a victory would keep their hopes alive.
Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh will once again be key in providing a strong start for the team. Bhurtel, in particular, has been highly impressive and stands as Nepal's leading run-scorer in the tournament. The middle order will need to rise to the occasion if Nepal aims to secure a win.
There were high expectations for Bhim Sharki and Rohit Paudel, but they have struggled to find their rhythm thus far. On the other hand, Aarif Sheikh showcased his batting prowess with a half-century in the last match and will be eager to continue his good form.
Nepal boasts a depth in their batting lineup, thanks to the contributions of all-rounders Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Gulsan Jha. In the bowling department, seamers Karan KC and Gulsan Jha have performed decently, both picking up 5 wickets each, while Dipendra Singh has taken 3 wickets.
Unfortunately, Sandeep Lamichhane has not met expectations in the spin department, but Lalit Rajbanshi has displayed commendable bowling performances.
Nepal Predicted Lineup
Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Bhim Sharki, Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Malla, Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi
Expert betting tips
The playing surface at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare offers a fair balance between the bowlers and batsmen. In the initial stages of the game, the seamers will have an advantage as they can exploit the movement and pose challenges for the batsmen. However, once the batsmen settle in, they will find it easier to play their shots. A competitive score on this pitch is around 260. The weather forecast indicates dry conditions with pleasant temperatures expected during the match. The Netherlands have had an edge over Nepal on paper going into the game.