The only two European sides of this tournament, none would have predicted that the Netherlands would be placed above England in the points table after 7 matches for each team, but here we are.
With both teams out of the semi-finals race (Netherlands have a mathematical possibility!), don’t let this let you believe that their battle on the 8th will be a dead-rubber for both teams will look to finish inside the top 8 to book a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Team Preview
Netherlands
After a comfortable win of 87 runs against Bangladesh, spirits were on a high inside the Dutch camp. Thus, they should be disappointed by their performance against Afghanistan, where Shahidi and Co. wrapped up proceedings within 31.3 overs of batting.
What was most surprising was the fact that 4 out of the top 5 Dutch batters were run out. In a tournament where the Netherlands have been one of the best teams to get their basics right, such a performance can be only termed as shambolic.
Though that shouldn’t take away from the fact that the Netherlands have exceeded many expectations, and have a golden opportunity to book a ticket to Pakistan.
England
England’s run in CWC 23 so far is arguably the worst performance in an ICC tournament by a defending champion. Predicted by many to at least make it into the semis, England have shocked the world, managing to secure a solitary win so far, languishing right at the bottom of the points table.
From the bowling perspective, their performances have improved in the last 2 matches, especially with the new ball.
But the batting unit, which was supposed to be their stronger department, has continued its disappointing campaign.
England’s batting average is only better than the Netherlands in this World Cup.
Anyhow, England has been part of every ICC tournament held till now. They surely won’t want to miss the 2025 one!
Pitch Report
The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune was expected to oversee high-scoring encounters over the winter though so far it hasn’t lived up to the expectations, with its average run rate being 7th amongst the 10 stadiums which are part of the ongoing tournament.
New-ball bowlers such as Farooqi and Jansen have found success over here and with England finding their mojo during the first 10 overs, the Netherlands need to ensure the match isn’t over soon.
Probable Playing XI
Netherlands: Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Wesley Barresi, Colin Ackermann, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Bas De Leede, Scott Edwards, Logan Van Beek, Roelof Van Der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul Van Meekeren
Vikramjit was dropped after a 6-game long run in favour of Saqib.
With the pitch not expected to be as helpful for spinners as Ekana has been, Saqib is unlikely to retain his place.
The Netherlands might favour an extra bowler and instead bring in Ryan Klein.
England: Johnny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Harry Brooks, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
Despite facing only losses, England has gone with the same XI in their previous 2 matches.
Liam has been one of the worst batters of this World Cup, averaging 10 across 6 innings.
Youngster Harry might replace him.
Wood too has been hardly effective, leaking runs at an economy of 6.46, and Sam Curran has a shot of making a comeback into the XI.
Players To Watch Out For
Sybrand Engelbrecht: A 35-year-old (now 36), having last played a professional game way back in 2016, I wasn’t impressed with Sybrand being picked as one of the 15 members of the Dutch squad. Though he has certainly proved me wrong.
The highest run-getter for the Netherlands so far, his strike rate of 69.16 doesn’t do justice to his gritty knocks against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Apart from that he has been electric in the field, as he was in the 2008 U-19 World Cup, and would look to inflict the run-outs, of which the Dutch were a victim against the Afghans.
David Willey: One of the few English players who have looked as if they have given their all in this World Cup, Willey will be retiring at the end of the tournament, due to not receiving a Central Contract from ECB.
Anyhow, Willey would want to leave the ODI scene with a bang.
He has been brilliant with the new ball, and he might just replicate what Starc had done earlier this season against the same opponent.
Adil Rashid: With only 6 wickets away from becoming only the 3rd Englishman to reach the 200 ODI milestone.
A fine servant for his nation in white-ball, Adil has been sort of a lone warrior for the team with the ball, picking up 10 wickets @30, with an economy under 5. The 2nd best economy for an English bowler in CWC 23 is 5.41 belonging to Willey.
The Netherlands have panicked earlier against quality spin, and Adil will want to reach the above-mentioned milestone as early as possible.
ENG vs NED Dream11 Team for Match 40 of 2023 WC
Note: This is not our final Dream11 Team as we are not aware of the Toss Result/Final Playing XI of both teams at this moment.
To remain updated and get our final Dream11 Team, Join our Telegram channel Clan For Gamers
