*NETHERLANDS VS NEPAL MATCH 14 PREVIEW- ICC WORLDCUP QUALIFIERS*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Both Netherlands and Nepal have had mixed campaigns so far, getting a win each but faltering otherwise. While Nepal have lost two, against arguably the toughest units of this competition (of the same group), Netherlands are coming off a decent win against the USA. Their 5 wicket win over the States with 6.4 overs to spare would certainly give them the much needed confidence heading into this game against Nepal who are coming off a humiliating defeat where they gifted a 100 run victory to the Caribbean boys.
Cricket is at times, all about the momentum. Despite these sides not sharing a good record in this tourney, Ned hold the edge as they are coming off some winning momentum which works wonders in a high octane tourney like this but on the other hand, Nepal will need to forget the bashing they were receiving from WI the other day as a loss like that can be deflating and affect the entire tournament. With renewed hopes and the possibility of stunning, these two sides are locking horns.
*NETHERLANDS PROBABLE XI:*
MP O'Dowd, W Barresi, BFW de Leede, Vikramjit Singh, R Klein, Clayton Floyd, S Edwards(C)(WK), AT Nidamanuru, Logan van Beek, Shariz Ahmad, Aryan Dutt
Batting prowess is one thing we’d associate NED with, so far in the tournament having accumulated over 500 runs already at a good strike rate, once while defending while the other time was when they were chasing. Their batters have performed with passion and are making complete use of the flatter conditions here in Zimbabwe. Their captain has led from the front and the fact that he became the POTM the other day bodes well for the entire team. With scores of 83 and 67 against ZIM and USA respectively, we can see how he’s been doing the heavy lifting for a side that has lost one and won one. His expertise from behind the stumps have also been gold but he’d like his bowling group to comeback and do better. A better show would certainly put NED as the favourites.
People would fix their eyes and their attention on the frontline bowlers of Netherlands but I’d go out there and name an underrated all rounder who has been good enough in both the departments. While he made a well crafted 88 vs ZIM, he also picked up a wicket. Against USA, though he failed with the bat, he rolled his arm over for three overs and struck gold as he dismissed Gajanand Anand, USA’s centurion from Game 1. His bowling would be a surprise package for Nepal and this is where Scott could use him effectively and throw him into the fire to work his magic.
*NEPAL PROBABLE XI:*
Rohit Kumar Paudel(C), Aarif Sheikh, K Bhurtel, B Sharki, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Asif Sheikh(wk), Gulshan Kumar Jha, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi
Kushal Bhurtel was undone by a beauty from Alzarri vs WI but otherwise he has been a reliable bet for Nepal with his highest score being 99. He has accumulated 143 runs in this tournament already at an average of 47.67 and is a positive sign for the rest of the batting group. Nepal would want him to quickly get over his latest outing and come fired up vs NED who boast of a strong bowling attack. His technically sound batting where he takes a toll on the bowlers and makes them pay the price will be a requirement of Nepal are to stun Netherlands and the world watching these Qualifiers closely.
Rajbanshi was succesful in sending 3 Windies bats, to the pavilion and a fine death overs bowling display was on show. He was a class apart from the others who were busy being expensive and get smacked all over. A performance like this when the opposition has scored nearly a 350 runs has tons of value and come tomorrow, it could prove to be invaluable.
Aarif and Aasif Sheikh are two batters in this lineup who have shown potential in bits and pieces, letting the others take note of their class from time to time but with a middling average and the problem of inconsistency, they have not been able to take the limelight by any chance. Tomorrow presents them with an opportunity that will open the gates for NEP again but a loss could turn out to be a devastating outcome.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR NETHERLANDS:*
Highest run getter- Scott Edwards/Vikramjit Singh
Highest wicket taker- Aryan Dutt/Bas De Leede
*FOR NEPAL:*
Highest run getter- Bhim Sharki/K Bhurtel
Highest wicket taker- Rajbanshi/Sandeep Lamichhane
*FOR THIS GAME:*
Netherlands to record a good win.