ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021: Netherlands Team Preview, Squad, Key Players and Probable Playing XI

A famed side among the associates, one that is more than capable of pulling out stunning results at regular intervals, the Netherlands once again enter the T20 World Cup group stages having won the Qualifiers’ crown. Some familiar names of the past reappear in this Dutch unit, who will pose a massive threat to their […]
 
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ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021: Netherlands Team Preview, Squad, Key Players and Probable Playing XI

A famed side among the associates, one that is more than capable of pulling out stunning results at regular intervals, the Netherlands once again enter the T20 World Cup group stages having won the Qualifiers’ crown. Some familiar names of the past reappear in this Dutch unit, who will pose a massive threat to their fellow Group A contenders.

The Netherlands have their eyes set over qualifying to the next stages ahead of Sri Lanka or Ireland, who remain the major favorites of their group. But nothing can be said as it stands, as the inexperience in the Dutch unit in some areas might not bode well with their ambitions.

In the warm-up games, they defeated Oman by a narrow 4-run margin and followed it up with a sensational performance against Kiwis, nearly beating them while chasing 155 runs. They have high ambitions, and they’re rated the best Dutch team ever by their head coach, but once they step on the field, it’ll be a different ball game altogether.

Claim to Fame

The Netherlands, who were crowned champions of the 2016 World Cup qualifiers, defended that crown in the next edition of the qualifier tournament as well. This was the third time they won the qualifier tournament, but this isn’t the result they are looking for. This time, they’re more desperate than ever to enter the main part of the tournament, which is the Super-12 stage.

Captain: Pieter Seelaar

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021: Netherlands Team Preview, Squad, Key Players and Probable Playing XI

Head coach: Ryan Campbell

Netherlands Squad for T20 World Cup 2021

Pieter Seelaar (capt), Colin Ackermann (vice-capt), Philippe Boissevain, Bas de Leede, Paul van Meekeren, Ben Cooper, Max O’Dowd, Scott Edwards, Ryan ten Doeschate, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Brandon Glover, Fred Klaassen, Logan van Beek, Stephan Myburgh

Strengths

Their bowling department boasts of great experience, with the Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren and they provide great support to the young bowlers in Brandon Glover and Boissevain. They are capable of restricting the best of teams to totals under 150 on their day, thus giving their batters a decent shot at finishing the games.

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Areas of Concern

Netherlands’ major problem remains with their batting approach and the timidness shown in the powerplay. They play protective cricket, and their average powerplay score in the 2019 qualifiers was mid-30s. This will not help them when they face counter-attacking teams like Sri Lanka, who might, in the end, edge them because they had scored more runs upfront.

Key Netherlands Players

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021: Netherlands Team Preview, Squad, Key Players and Probable Playing XI

Ryan ten Doeschate is their most decorated and renowned cricketer of all time.

Ryan ten Doeschate: He did not get going yet in the warm-up games, but Ryan ten Doeschate is a mastermind of the shortest format with tons of experience. His lethal striking ability will prove to be pivotal for the Dutch. He averages in excess of 44 in the T20Is, and has scored over 7,500 runs in the shortest format at the recognized level at an average nearly 30.

Roelof van der Merwe: Another familiar name in their setup who featured regularly in the IPL at one point, Roelof van der Merwe is another powerful striker of the ball, but it his experience with his slow left-arm spin that will be pivotal for the Dutch’s aspirations. He picked 54 wickets in 43 T20Is, and has an economy of 6.28.

Philippe Boissevain: Although the 20-year-old leg-spinner doesn’t have the stats yet to back his incredible talent, he adds an element of variety to their setup with his wrist spin. He tends to turn the ball sharply, and is one of the rising stars in Dutch cricket setup.

Probable Netherlands Playing XI for T20 World Cup 2021

Scott Edwards, Ben Cooper, Max O’Dowd, Stephan Myburgh, Roelof Van Der Merwe, Pieter Seelar, Colin Ackerman, Ryan Ten Doeschate, Philippe Boissevain, Timm Van Der Gugten, Logan Van Beek