The Netherlands and Bangladesh face off in a crucial World Cup tie at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens. Both teams have underperformed so far with just 1 win each from 5 games.
This is only the third ODI meeting between the sides, with the head-to-head tied 1-1. Bangladesh won their previous clash convincingly during the 2019 World Cup.
However, the Dutch can’t be taken lightly, having pushed England and Pakistan before losing narrowly. Their bowling attack led by veterans like Pieter Seelaar could challenge Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s senior pros like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim must step up to get their campaign back on track. With survival hopes dwindling, expect a hard-fought contest between two spirited underdog teams.
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Netherlands Overview
Bowlers like pace duo of Fred Klaassen and Paul van Meekeren have been economical without being incisive. Spinners Roelof van der Merwe and Timm van der Gugten kept it tight but lack wicket threat.
Injuries to key players like Bas de Leede and Scott Edwards have impacted balance. But the Dutch can take heart from reducing England to 181/6 and Pakistan to 183/4 before narrowly losing.
With nothing to lose, the spirited Dutch will look to enjoy the Eden Gardens stage and relish the opportunity to play giant-killers again.
Bangladesh Overview
Like their opponents, Bangladesh is desperate for a victory after a poor start to their World Cup campaign. Their batting has misfired badly, with fifties from Litton Das the lone bright spot.
Even the experience of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim failed to prevent collapses. The bowling has been steady with Mustafizur Rahman the standout. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud have provided support.
However in the field, Bangladesh have been shoddy, dropping crucial chances. With pressure mounting on the team after three consecutive losses, the Eden Gardens fixture becomes a virtual must-win.
The talent in the side means Bangladesh will back themselves to get off the mark with a win. But they need the senior players to stand tall when it matters most.
Netherlands vs. Bangladesh Starting XI
Expected Starting XI for Netherlands:
- Vikramjit Singh
- Max O’Dowd
- 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 Bangladesh:
- Litton Das
- Tanzid Hasan
- Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Shakib Al Hasan (c)
- Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
- Mahmudullah
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Nasum Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Shoriful Islam
- Hasan Mahmud
The Netherlands should play an unchanged XI, relying on openers Tom Cooper and Vikramjit Singh for a solid start. Seamers van Meekeren and Klaassen will share the new ball.
Bangladesh should also stick with the same combination. The opening pair of Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto must provide a platform. Skipper Shakib, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah have to shoulder responsibility in the middle-order. The spin of Nasum and Mehidy Hasan will be crucial.
See the confirmed starting lineups below an hour before the match starts.
Netherlands vs. Bangladesh Head-to-Head
Bangladesh and Netherlands have only played 2 completed ODIs against each other historically. Bangladesh won their first clash during the 2011 World Cup by 6 wickets.
Their second meeting was at the 2019 World Cup, which saw Bangladesh rout the Dutch comprehensively by 7 wickets. Batting first, the Netherlands could only manage 190/4 as Mosaddek Hossain grabbed 3/26.
In reply, Shakib smashed an unbeaten 83 off 64 balls to take Bangladesh home in just 30.5 overs. It was a completely one-sided affair.
In their only T20I meeting during the 2014 World Cup, Netherlands clinched a last-ball thriller by 3 wickets.
Overall, Bangladesh’s superior experience and talent makes them clear favorites historically. But the Dutch have shown they can compete, making this an intriguing battle between two feisty underdogs.
Weather & Pitch Report
The iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata will host this match. The weather forecast is optimal for cricket with temperatures around 29 degrees and minimal chance of rain.
The Eden pitch assists batters initially with true bounce. Teams batting first average 236 in ODIs here. The outfield is very fast too with short square boundaries.
However, humidity and evening dew may aid the side chasing. Spinners can find grip later in the innings as the pitch slows up.
Considering the batting friendly conditions, both teams will look to make the most of the powerplay overs without losing wickets.
The team that bats sensibly in the middle overs before attacking the death overs has the best chance of posting 280-300 or chasing it down. Fans can expect a high scoring thriller.
Netherlands vs. Bangladesh Prediction
However, the Dutch have shown they can’t be taken lightly. Their bowling attack has the variety to restrict Bangladesh if they capture early wickets. Netherlands also bat deep, able to accelerate late in the innings.
But over the course of a full 50 overs, Bangladesh’s seasoned batting and bowling should prevail if they play to potential. The Netherlands is still a growing force in 50-over cricket.
Expect a closer battle than their previous one-sided World Cup meetings. The spirited Dutch will push Bangladesh hard. But Bangladesh have the individual brilliance to clinch a tight win as long as they handle the pressure moments well.
Netherlands vs. Bangladesh Betting Tip
Mushfiqur Rahim’s experience makes him a strong contender to top score for Bangladesh. Expect the wicket-keeper batsman to play a crafty 40-50 run innings.
For Netherlands, opener Max O’Dowd has the technique to defy Bangladesh early on. He can score a vital 50-60 run knock.
In bowling, the clever slow left-arm spin of Shakib Al Hasan could bamboozle the Dutch middle order. Back him to pick 2-3 wickets.
For Netherlands, the wily Pieter Seelaar’s economical spin bowling should keep Bangladesh in check. He can grab a couple of key middle-order scalps.
Considering Eden Garden’s batting friendly conditions, expect a high scoring match in the 270-280 run range. Both teams will likely exploit the fast outfield and short boundaries.
Bet on Bangladesh to successfully chase any target below 300 if they bat with composure. Alternatively, back the Netherlands as underdogs capable of an upset if they can restrict Bangladesh to around 250-260.
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