Netherlands started their Super -12 campaign against Bangladesh, while
the Dutch know that they have a challenge ahead after the loss but considering
the nature of the T20 format they would aim to script history which no other
Dutch cricket team have done in past
Tom Cooper’s statement that
Netherlands beating Bangladesh is no more upset might showed the confidence the
team has. The team though lost the game by 9 runs, a setback to their chances
in World Cup. What was more disappointing for the fans was that the bowlers
bowled their heart out to restrict Bangladesh to a modest 144. The batsman
though couldn’t live up to the expectations. The top order crumbled like pack
of cards amid some shambolic running between the wickets.
The road for Netherlands has
become tougher now but that is something they are themselves realistic of.
While the format spurs surprises but to do it continuously against India,
Pakistan and South Africa would be too much to ask from them. This was one
reason why they have been aiming to perform well and impress everyone so that
in long run the team starts getting more and more games. With England, Ireland,
Scotland, Netherland showing that Cricket is flourishing in Europe where
cricket is not as popular as Asia (which has 7 ODI Countries including Nepal
and UAE), things looks promising for other emerging nations.
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| Captain Scott Edwards |
For now Netherlands would
like to focus on the rest of the matches that they have to play in the World
Cup. They would also like to ensure that they en cash the opportunity to play
in a major tournament against bigger cricket countries, a chance they get very
rarely. For this the batting and bowling need to be more responsible as they
have been in game against Bangladesh.
Netherland has an impressive
bowling line up which has performed to the expectation. Bas de Leede is the
highest wicket taker with 9 wickets and have impressed in the tournament. On
the other Paul Van Meekeren who became highest wicket taker for the country
against Bangladesh in T20 Internationals for Netherlands is also in form. The
bowlers have done their job throughout the tournament.
It is the batting that have
let them down against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh where they could have chased the
target with little bit of planning. In both the games the top order failed to
capitalize on the opportunities that the bowlers have created. While Max O’Dowd
has scored 137 runs in 4 games at 45.66, the others haven’t been able to support
him. Ackerman( 79 runs in 4 games) Bas de Leede (58 in 4 games) Vikarmjeet ( 56 in 4 games) and Captain Edwards (54 in 4
games) failure have meant that the batting unit have never clicked
collectively, something they need to change for the upcoming games.
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This has been a year to
remember for the Dutch. They had got regular games through ODI League and had
the busiest home summer where they not only got number of games to play but to
lock horns with some of the top teams. The consistent games that they have been
getting have been helpful in raising their game and confidence as well.
Number of young players like
Bas de Leede, Vikramkit Singh and Tim Pringle has emerged as new generation for
the future as they have taken the responsibility to take the mantle of carrying
the Dutch Cricket. The next few matches will be challenging for the team as
they will take on major team with strong bench strength, in such a moment fans
would wish that the players lift their game.
After this World Cup
Netherlands would target to play in the 50 Over World Cup in India, something
which would ensure that not only they play among the largest cricket audiences
in the world but by qualifying and playing in the World Cup they also receive big
ICC funding which would be helpful in promoting and expanding the game in
country.
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| Tom Cooper need to find his form soon |
Netherland have to ensure that they remain consistent in performance as the competition in top 16 have enhanced over the period of time. Beyond 12 Test nations, Netherland, Scotland, Namibia and United Arab Emirates have formed a strong core of cricket playing nations who promise a lot in the future. It has increased competition for places in ICC Tournament. In this edition, only Netherlands could muster a place beyond Test playing countries which shows their strength. It is however to be noted that they should not take things for granted as tide can change quickly as it has been seen in case of Kenya.
Netherland fans though would be enjoying the proud moment that their team has brought by qualifying for super 12. Who would have thought that, when the first set of Dutch cricket players walked on a winter morning of Baroda, on 17th February 1996 at IPCL'S Ground against New Zealand in a World Cup encounter.
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