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- Published: October 27, 2022 08:50
New Delhi: The stage is set for the first-ever T20I match between India and Netherlands in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. After beating Pakistan in a cracking opener, India is entering Sydney as the favourite, while the Netherlands is known for upsets in the World Cups like in 2009 and 2014 against England. Scott Edwards’ side is the only Associate team in the Super 12 and taking the game close against Bangladesh proved that they are here to fight.
India needs openers to step-up
With Virat Kohli’s cracking performance and Suryakumar Yadav’s insane form, the middle order looks in control. However, there are some questions about the openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Actually, they faced a top-class pace bowling line-up in swinging conditions in the first game, but here is a chance to gain some confidence going further in the tournament.
Yuzvendra Chahal might get a chance to play in the game while India chose to go with Ravichandran Ashwin for his good economy and batting skills. With Arshdeep replacing Harshal Patel in the playing XI, India has got two fine swing bowlers but then the team needs Ashwin’s batting on number 8. While the pace line-up delivered in the last game it is time for spinners, especially Axar Patel to stand up and pick some wickets.
Netherlands looking for another big upset
The Netherlands lost in an almost close-fought encounter against Bangladesh where Colin Ackermann stood as a lone warrior. With in form Max O’Dowd and Ackermann, the team needs support from the opener Vikramjit Singh to bat against a line-up that quickly dismissed Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan. Paul van Meekeren scoring 24 off 14 at number 11 is a ray of hope for the team.
The Netherlands posted a fine bowling performance in the last game with Van Meekeren and Bas de Leede picking two wickets each. Their ability to strike in the middle overs will come in handy against a strong batting side.
Conclusion
India can try Chahal as wrist spinners’ dominating quality in the T20s might be needed at some point in the tournament, on the other hand, it will be interesting to see Axar Patel’s batting position as he came at number 5 in the last game. There is an injury concern for Roelof van der Merwe and Shariz Ahmed might be playing in his place as he did against Bangladesh. Overall, India will look to gain two more points to strengthen their position on the table while it is a big game for the Netherlands with nothing to lose.
The game will begin at 12:30 pm IST at Sydney Cricket Ground.