Netherlands announce their 15-member ODI World Cup 2023 squad

[BouncerGuy]

Bolstered and battle-hardened: Netherlands press for glory in India with strongest squad ever

Built by a relentless Super League campaign, before stealing headlines at the Qualifier, the Netherlands stands ready to produce their best-ever Cricket World Cup performance with arguably their strongest-ever squad.

Squad:

Scott Edwards (c), Max O'Dowd, Bas de Leede, Vikram Singh, Teja Nidamanuru, Paul van Meekeren, Colin Ackermann, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Ryan Klein, Wesley Barresi, Saqib Zulfiqar, Shariz Ahmad, Sybrand Engelbrecht.

Best finish at the tournament

Sixth in Group A (2003), Third in Group A (2007)

With one victory in both their 2003 and 2007 Cricket World Cup efforts, the Dutch finished sixth in a seven-team Group A in 2003, as well as third in a four-team group in 2007.

The Dutch were comfortable winners when they met Namibia at the 2003 tournament, making 314/4 in their 50 overs before restricting the Namibians to 250. Klaas-Jan van Noortwijk’s 134* (129) and Feiko Kloppenburg’s 121 (142) scored in the match remain the highest Dutch individual scores in Cricket World Cup history, and Kloppenburg backed up his efforts with equal-best figures of 4/42 to claim unanimous Player of the Match honours.

Four years later, the Dutch claimed a second win in World Cup action, overcoming familiar foes Scotland.

At one stage pinning Scotland down at 39/5, the Dutch eventually bowled out their opposition for 136 in spite of a rearguard effort from Neil McCallum (24) and No.10 Glenn Rogers (26). Bas Zuiderent (43*) and Ryan ten Doeschate (70*) ensured there were no nerves in the chase in a comfortable eight-wicket win.

Results in the last 10 ODI games

(Most recent first): L W W L T (won Super Over) W W L L L

Fixtures

vs Pakistan (6 October), Hyderabad

vs New Zealand (9 October), Hyderabad

vs South Africa (17 October), Dharamsala

vs Sri Lanka (21 October), Lucknow

vs Australia (25 October), Delhi

vs Bangladesh (28 October), Kolkata

vs Afghanistan (03 November), Lucknow

vs England (08 November), Pune

vs India (12 November), Bengaluru

Key Match:

vs Bangladesh (28 October), Kolkata

Irrespective of the results in their first five matches, the Dutch will be in a World Cup flow by the time they meet the Tigers, and should fancy their chances in Kolkata.

Bangladesh have lost seven of their last ten ODIs in the build-up to the tournament (excluding the no-result against New Zealand), and one feels the Dutch outlook would be more positive than their opponents should they both be positioned in the lower half of the table.

The teams did not cross paths on the Super League journey, though the Dutch match up well with their opponents: a middle order with a penchant for playing spin bowling that can carry the team through the middle overs, as well as a canny slow-bowling group of their own that should ask enough questions.

The Dutch also have success historically in the 50-over format against their opponents, beating them in a neutral Glasgow meeting back in 2010.

Not only was 2023 squad member Wesley Barresi a member of the victorious side, he was the man of the hour, hitting 64* from just 43 balls to chase down 200 in a rain-shortened 30-over affair.

The Dutch also played at Eden Gardens at the 2011 Cricket World Cup, making 306 against Ireland, though were chased down in 47.4 overs.

Key Player:

Bas de Leede

A T20 World Cup Qualifier standout, a T20 World Cup breakout, a Cricket World Cup Qualifier star, and now a Cricket World Cup dangerman? It’s been a prolific two years for the 23-year-old, who could win even more fans with a strong showing in India.

It proved tough sledding while turning out for the Dutch as a teenager, but the faith shown in him has been repaid handsomely. A clever batter with all the shots and capable of clearing the rope, the youngster can also reach 140 kph with his seam, and has been described by former Dutch coach (now his Durham boss) Ryan Campbell as the best fielder in Europe.

Since the start of The Netherlands’ Super League series with England in June 2022, de Leede averages over 42 with the bat, going along with his 20 wickets in his last eight One Day Internationals.

On top of half-centuries against England and Pakistan, it was the business end of the Qualifier which provided the stage for De Leede to demonstrate all his qualities. Taking 5/52 and making 123 (92) to send the Dutch to a World Cup, de Leede became just the fifth person to take five wickets and score a century in the same One Day International.

Summary:

Stealing a Super Over victory over the West Indies and brushing aside Scotland in a rapid-fire run chase to qualify, many will feel the Dutch are a Cinderella story already, though for Scott Edwards’ side they’ll be hoping the fairytale has barely begun.

To their credit, the squad in orange have the ability and depth to write their own story. The 15-player group is arguably stronger than their Qualifier group, with the addition of several players previously tied up on English County duty now available.

Colin Ackermann and Roelof van der Merwe come back into the fold to provide batting help and their respective right and left-arm finger spin, while Paul van Meekeren bolsters the fast-bowling off the back of a consistent County season for Gloucestershire. The side will lament the absence of speedster Fred Klaassen, but Scott Edwards should be able to count on up to seven bowling options in any given match.

The side share the load on the batting side too, with the likes of Max O’Dowd and Vikramjit Singh accustomed to taking on world-class attacks, and Barresi able to blunt or bludgeon depending on the match situation. Bas de Leede’s reputation is warranted, Teja Nidamanuru carries a consistency in his approach, while captain Scott Edwards boasts a strong recent record and the ability to sweep and reverse. Logan van Beek’s late-order hitting adds an exclamation point, while Sybrand Engelbrecht, an ex-U19 international for South Africa, also squeezes into the squad, after a prolific season in the Topklasse, the top Dutch domestic 50-over league.

Few Associate teams of Cricket World Cups past could claim to have 11 match-winning players on their team sheet like The Netherlands and overall, the vibe of the group from the outside looks overwhelmingly positive.

Enjoying a strong preparation and with recent giant-killing success at global tournaments in their victory over South Africa at last year’s T20 World Cup, there should be a quiet confidence that the Dutch can claim multiple victories in India.​

 

[MenInG]

Not sure if they will many games but their kit is getting a lot of attention!

 

[BouncerGuy]

Yeah. The kit is looking cool, to be honest. I really like these funky colors.

 

[hassan918]

Yeah. The kit is looking cool, to be honest. I really like these funky colors.

Their kit is definitely looking pretty cool but I would be surprised to see them win multiple matches in this World Cup. Having said that, it is a great achievement for them to be part of the World Cup and this should help the game to get more recognition and popularity back home.

 

[MenInG]

HYDERABAD: It’s not just the Pakistan cricket team that faced a delay in getting their visas before finally reaching the country to feature in the 2023 ODI World Cup which started in the country on Thursday. Even those with roots in Pakistan are facing issues like leg break bowler of Netherlands, Shariz Ahmad. The 20-year-old is on his first visit to India and set to be the leader of the Netherlands’ spin attack as he is the most experienced specialist tweaker in the squad with 11 ODIs and 9 T20Is under his belt. His elder brother Musa has also played 13 ODIs for the Dutch.

Given the enormity of the occasion, Shariz wanted to have his family, especially his father Nadeem Ahmad and Musa, in the stands when his team plays Pakistan in their World Cup opener here at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal in Hyderabad on Friday. But their Pakistan connection seemed to have spoiled Shariz’s plan. “Unfortunately, they will not be coming to India. There are a lot of issues with visas because of the Pakistani background which will take too long, it is a pity, but they will be supporting from home,” southpaw Shariz told this daily on being questioned about his family’s visit to India for the World Cup matches.

Shariz's father shifted from Lahore to Amsterdam back in 1995 with a hope of gaining financial solidity. He might have left Pakistan but continued his unwavering love for cricket and even played in the top division of the Netherlands' domestic circuit. The father's undaunting love for the game meant both Shariz and Musa also inclined towards it despite getting initiated into sports through football.

The Pakistani roots make Netherlands' first match against Pakistan even more special for Shariz. "It will be a very special match for us as a group. It will be the opening game for us in a massive tournament and we will look to start with a bang. It will be very special for me personally as well because it’s against Pakistan where I’ve got a lot of family and my parents are from there. They all will be watching the game and I’m sure they would love me to do well against Pakistan," said Shariz.

But whom his family, especially, the father will support when the two teams square off against each and quick was the reply. "...100% the Dutch, he loves Dutch cricket and has got a lot of interest in our cricket so I’m pretty sure he’ll be rooting for us."

Speaking about the passion the sport generates in his family, Shariz said it's massive as it helps them bring them closer. "Cricket is massive in the Ahmad's family, we watch cricket together, we enjoy each other’s successes, we learn from each other and we try to make each other better. My dad and my older brother Musa are really important for me in my cricket. They both have worked very hard for me to be where I am now, and I have a lot to thank them for. Musa and myself are on the phone together a lot and we share each other’s sessions and speak about what we feel like we should work on and what is going well."

Like most of the upcoming bowlers of his generation, Shariz also dreams of claiming the wicket of India's star batter Virat Kohli when the face-off happens as the tournament progresses. "One Indian wicket I would like to take would be Virat Kohli, great of the game. I watched him play a lot growing up being a RCB fan. It would be nice if I can get him out and help my team."

At the same time, he would love to pick the brains of Kuldeep Yadav and R Ashwin if he gets an opportunity to interact with them during the course of the event. " One current Indian spinner, from whom I like to learn, would be either Kuldeep Yadav or Ashwin, Kuldeep because we bowl quite similar and Ashwin because of the experiences and the cricket smartness. One former Indian spinner would be Anil Kumble for similar reasons."

Shariz has been visiting Pakistan quite often and plays cricket there whenever he gets a chance. He also played against Pakistan recently in the Netherlands that has made them acquainted with each other. So, he is quite eager to meet the Pakistan players again. "(Have) a few friends in the Pakistan team obviously playing against them in the ODI series in Rotterdam where I could really meet them and be together for a little while and then meeting them again at the T20 World Cup in Australia having dinner with them after we helped them reach the semis was nice. Looking forward to meeting them again soon."

Naseem Shah is one such Pakistan cricketer with whom Shariz has a good rapport. The pacer, however, has been ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup. Shariz hopes the pacer will soon get back to the field. "Really disappointing that he’s ruled out of the tournament. Really good bowler and it would be a nice challenge to be up against him again. Had a small chat with him about how it’s going and hopefully he gets back soon."

Netherlands will be playing their first World Cup since 2011 when India not only co-hosted the tournament but also lifted the trophy for the second time since 1983. Playing the marquee event after such a long gap, Shariz has his goal for the tournament. "My goal for the tournament is to win games for my team, to make sure we get to the semis. No team comes into tournaments like these just to play. We are here to win and show the world what Dutch cricket has to offer on the biggest stage," he signed off.

Pakistan roots act as dampener but Dutch cricketer Shariz ready for 2023 World Cup debut

The father's undaunting love for the game meant both Shariz and Musa also inclined towards it despite getting initiated into sports through football.

www.newindianexpress.com

 

[sweep_shot]

They have been brilliant.

Gunned down West Indies during the qualifiers. Beat South Africa earlier. Beating Bangladesh now.

Should finish 9th at least.

 

[Saj]

Enjoyed watching them in this tournament.

They know their limitations but they give absolutely everything and have come back and done well from some very tricky situations.

 

[RyanRyan10]

Their kit is definitely looking pretty cool but I would be surprised to see them win multiple matches in this World Cup. Having said that, it is a great achievement for them to be part of the World Cup and this should help the game to get more recognition and popularity back home.

They did surprise you!

 

[chinaman00]

After 6 games, they have won the same number of games as Pakistan and have similar points. Ranked better than England and Bangladesh

 

[anakwalajinn]

If they finish 8th will they qualify for The Champions Trophy 2025?

 

[Hassan A]

Paul van Meekeren: From delivering pizzas to Cricket World Cup heroics

The Dutch fast bowler shares his journey of almost giving up cricket to becoming one of his country’s leading performers at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Paul van Meekeren’s memories of the Rood en Wit Club in Haarlem, on the outskirts of Amsterdam, stretch back to when he was three years old.

His father, also named Paul, played at the club, located a few kilometres from the Dutch capital’s coastline.

The junior van Meekeren remembers watching the action while sitting underneath the trees by the old-style cricket scoreboard, on which the numbers ticked over when a cord was pulled by the scorer.

On Saturdays, he would join their practice sessions when – if he took a catch – someone would treat him with an ice cream.

It was a setting that ultimately fired his ambition to become a professional cricketer and set him off on a journey that has taken him to two Twenty20 World Cups in the past two years and his first one-day international (ODI) World Cup in India.

On Sunday, the pace bowler was in the midst of the action as he bowled to a star-studded Indian batting lineup in Bengaluru and dismissed their in-form opener Shubman Gill.

“When I was 11 years old, I wanted to quit cricket and play football instead,” van Meekeren told Al Jazeera in Pune last week.

“But my parents wanted me to play one more season,” he said.

That season, van Meekeren was selected for the Dutch under-12 team and won the player-of-the-tournament award at a European championship in Denmark.

From thereon, there was no looking back.

“I stuck with the game because I loved it and most of my friends played it. It wasn’t about winning or becoming a professional cricketer – but spending time with friends, hitting a ball and having a great time.”

Summer holidays of cricket bloopers and club games
During his early foray into the game, international cricket existed as a distant dream for the Dutch.

Live cricket was not televised and fans had to make do with rarely found match recordings. The then 13-year-old would watch match highlights and cricket bloopers on tape.

Van Meekeren’s introduction to Test cricket came as a teenager, spending long summer days of school holidays at the club, where he would watch Test cricket on the TV when he was not playing.

He played on matted pitches, which often made the pacer slip and left him frustrated.

“When I made it to the Dutch team [in 2013], I was lucky enough to run in at full tilt on grass wickets at training,” he said.

Fast forward 10 years to the ongoing tournament in India, van Meekeren has played a crucial role in both of his team’s wins in the tournament.

He dismissed Aiden Markarm and Gerald Coetzee cheaply as the Dutch stunned a highly-fancied South African team to win by 38 runs.

Eleven days later, the pacer took four wickets in the Netherlands’ 87-run win over Bangladesh and picked up the player-of-the-match award.

Source: Al Jazeera