The Netherlands will take on Sri Lanka in the 19th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on October 21st. This will be the first meeting between the two teams in World Cup history.
The Netherlands finally opened their account at this World Cup by stunning South Africa in their last game. Sri Lanka is yet to get off the mark, languishing at the bottom after three straight losses.
Sri Lanka dominates the head-to-head in ODIs 5-0 against the Dutch. But the spirited Dutch are riding high after their giant-killing act against the Proteas. Sri Lanka desperately needs to resurrect their campaign.
This match is crucial for both teams as they aim to build momentum and boost their semi-final hopes. The Netherlands will back themselves after conquering South Africa. But Sri Lanka’s superior experience should see them start as marginal favorites.
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Bet on Sri Lanka at odds 1.27 at 1xBet>> (Use 1xBet promo code BANGVIP for an exclusive offer.)
Netherlands Overview
The Netherlands pulled off a huge shock by defeating South Africa to register their first ever ODI win against a Test-playing nation. Skipper Scott Edwards led the way with a brilliant 78* while Bas de Leede also starred.
The Dutch have shown they are no pushovers by testing top teams. All-rounder de Leede has been a standout performer with bat and ball. The pace duo of Logan van Beek and Paul van Meekeren have also impressed.
With nothing to lose as underdogs, the Netherlands will look to play freely and cause more upsets. Their spirits will be sky high after conquering the Proteas. They will fancy their chances of making it two wins out of two.
Sri Lanka Overview
Sri Lanka have endured a horrible World Cup so far with three consecutive defeats. Their batting has been decent but suffers from dramatic collapses. The bowling has leaked runs and lacked penetration.
Kusal Mendis has led the batting with over 200 runs already. But Sri Lanka needs bigger stands to post daunting totals or chase down big targets. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has been the standout bowler with 7 wickets.
The Lankans possess enough match-winners like Mendis, de Silva and Hasaranga to quickly turn things around. Their concern is the lack of collective performances.
But if the likes of Mendis, Hasaranga and Theekshana hit their strides, Sri Lanka have the capability to beat any opponent. Playing the lower-ranked Dutch gives them a good opportunity to regain rhythm and confidence.
Netherlands vs Sri Lanka Starting XI
Expected Starting XI for Netherlands:
- Vikramjit Singh
- Max ODowd
- Colin Ackermann
- Bas de Leede
- Teja Nidamanuru
- Scott Edwards (c & wk)
- Sybrand Engelbrecht
- Logan van Beek
- Roelof van der Merwe
- Aryan Dutt
- Paul van Meekeren
Expected Starting XI for Sri Lanka:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Perera
- Kusal Mendis (c & wk)
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Charith Asalanka
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Dunith Wellalage
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Lahiru Kumara
- Dilshan Madushanka
See the official starting 11 one hour before the match starts.
Netherlands vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head
Sri Lanka dominates the head-to-head against Netherlands 5-0 in their ODI meetings so far. This includes a 45 run win in their most recent completed ODI encounter in 2021.
However, Netherlands did shock Sri Lanka during the T20 World Cup last year when they successfully chased down 162 thanks to a brilliant half-century from Max O’Dowd. So the Dutch are capable of upsets.
In recent years, Sri Lanka’s superiority has been built on strong performances from veterans like Perera, Mendis and Mathews against associate sides. Their bowling attack led by the likes of Kumara, Chameera and Hasaranga also overpowered Netherlands before.
But the Dutch have developed into a competitive unit capable of testing full members. If Edwards, de Leede and van Beek shine, Netherlands could give Sri Lanka a scare. But historically and on paper, Sri Lanka dominates this matchup.
Weather & Pitch Report
The Ekana Stadium in Lucknow generally produces typical Indian conditions. The weather will be hazy and warm during the daytime with temperatures around 30 degree Celsius.
The surface assists batting initially before slowing down later on. Batting can be tricky against the newer ball before becoming easier as the innings progresses.
Dew may form in the second half and aids the team batting second under lights. The dimensions are on the shorter side enabling big hits. But strokeplay requires skill on this two-paced surface.
Anything around 270-280 could be a par score batting first. The key will be preserving wickets in the middle overs before attacking the bowling in the death overs. Spinners tend to gain grip as the match goes on.
Considering the venue dynamics, the captain winning the toss may opt to chase on this surface. Batting becomes harder against the older ball later on.
An evenly contested match appears on the cards. The team adapting better can prevail.
Netherlands vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction
This should be an exciting battle between Sri Lanka’s experience and the Netherlands’ fearless underdog attitude. Considering the difference in quality between the two teams, Sri Lanka should start as favorites.
The Lankans bat deep with the likes of Mendis, Hasaranga and Karunaratne capable of taking down any attack. Their varied bowling attack also gives them an advantage, especially the world-class spin of Hasaranga.
But the Dutch are playing with nothing to lose and will be buzzing after beating South Africa. If Edwards, van Beek and de Leede shine again, the Netherlands can potentially upset Sri Lanka’s rhythm.
However, Sri Lanka’s greater international experience and squad depth should help them edge out the spirited Dutch in the end.
Prediction: Sri Lanka to beat Netherlands by 5 wickets in a competitive game between the sides.
Netherlands vs Sri Lanka Betting Tips
Kusal Mendis could be a good pick for top match scorer considering his current form. Wellalage should be backed to take 2+ wickets given his pedigree. Scott Edwards is worth considering for top Netherlands batter after his match-winning knock last time out. Bas de Leede’s all-round ability also makes him a valuable bet to shine with either bat or ball.
Back Sri Lanka to successfully chase any target set by the Dutch. With the batting pitch, consider betting on over 270 total match runs. Sri Lanka are deserved favorites but don’t rule out another spirited Dutch performance. Expect a thrilling contest but Sri Lanka might just prevail.
Bet on Kusal Mendis as top batter at Parimatch at odds 3.65>>
If you want to check out our other Cricket World Cup match predictions, you can find them on our site. In the meantime, you can check out how to bet on the Cricket World Cup.
