In the 19th Game of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, a former champion and an associate nation will square off at Lucknow. Interestingly, the former world champions, Sri Lanka is yet to win a game in this world cup. Meanwhile, Netherlands, the associate nation has already won one game in this year’s world cup. The game will be played on 21st October 2023. Following is the Sri Lanka vs Netherlands match preview of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Sri Lanka vs Netherlands Today Match Preview
Netherlands are currently ranked 8th in the Points Table of world cup 2023. They lost against Pakistan and New Zealand, but they managed to win against South Africa. Their planning and tactics were praised greatly in that game.
Sri Lanka on the other hand have suffered 3 consecutive defeats. They lost to Pakistan, Australia and South Africa. If they lost another game, their chances of making it to the next round will shrink more.
Both Netherlands and Sri Lanka took the hard route to feature in the World Cup 2023. Both sides played the qualifiers and worked hard to be here. Sri Lanka have the upper hand against Netherlands recently. Sri Lanka defeated the Dutch twice in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 qualifiers. Netherlands now have a score to settle with them.
Lucknow traditionally has a slower track. Sri Lanka played their last game here, in which they were bundled out for just 209 against Australia. In that particular game, Adam Zampa picked 4 wickets and the other spinners also got some assistance. Sri Lanka have a got spin attack but it is highly inconsistent. Meanwhile, the Dutch also have a good spin attack. Aryan Dutt and Roelof van der Merwe are in good touch and if they follow the plans well, they can be a better spinning side than Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Expected Lineup
Sri Lanka have got plenty of issues to solve, particularly with their bowling. Lahiru Kumara was quite awful in the game against Australia, but Matheesha Pathirana has also been smashed for plenty of runs previously. If Kasun Rajitha is fit, he might play this game otherwise Sri Lanka would have to stick with Kumara.
(Probable XI): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Perera, 3 Kusal Mendis (C, wk), 4 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Dunith Wellalage, 8 Chamika Karunaratne, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Kasun Rajitha/Lahiru Kumara, 11 Dilshan Madushanka
Netherlands Expected Playing XI
The Dutch registered their biggest win in International Cricket few days ago after beating South Africa in the world cup. It is unlikely that they would make any changes to their lineup.
(Probable XI): 1 Vikramjit Singh, 2 Max O’Dowd, 3 Colin Ackermann, 4 Bas de Leede, 5 Teja Nidamanuru, 6 Scott Edwards (C & wk), 7 Sybrand Engelbrecht, 8 Roelof van der Merwe, 9 Logan van Beek, 10 Aryan Dutt, 11 Paul van Meekeren
Players to Watch-out For
Scott Edwards played a remarkable knock of 78(69)* against South Africa. He would look to continue his great rhythm with the bat in this game as well. Netherlands lower order did remarkably well too, but their top order needs to step up as well. Max O’Dowd has a big innings due on him while Vikramjit Singh and Colin Ackerman also have to show some consistency.
With the ball, all the Dutch bowlers have done really well. They have bowled well as a unit. With the track supporting the spinners, Aryan Dutt and Roelof van der Merwe will be the bowlers to watch-out for.
For Sri Lanka, their skipper Kusal Mendis remains key. Mendis did not score big against Australia, but he has been good in this event. He has 207 runs in 3 innings and has also struck 14 sixes in the event. So his hard hitting remains a threat for the Dutch. Patthum Nissanka and Kusal Perera are also in good batting form.
Sri Lanka’s trouble remains in their bowling. Neither Theekshana, nor any of their pacers have been able to do something extra-ordinary. They really need to step up and put a top show to register their first win, before it’s too late.
Netherlands vs Sri Lanka Toss Prediction
The Toss is likely to go Sri Lanka’s way and they will probably opt to bat first.
Sri Lanka vs Netherlands Win Prediction
Both sides will have 50-50 chances of winning this game.
