Netherlands will take on Bangladesh in match number 28 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, October 28. This will be the second match of the double-header, with Australia taking on Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in the first. The Netherlands are last in the points table with one win from five games. In their last match, the Dutch side was thumped by the mighty Australia by 309 runs. Bangladesh are eighth in the points table. They, too, have only registered one win from five matches but are above the Netherlands due to their run rate. In their last match, they went down to South Africa by 149 runs in Mumbai.
The Netherlands suffered a crushing loss against Australia, the worst defeat in the history of the Men’s ODI World Cup in terms of runs. Bowling first, they conceded 399 as David Warner smashed another hundred, while Glenn Maxwell broke the record for the fastest ODI ton, hitting one in 40 balls. The Netherlands were bundled out for 90 in reply. Bangladesh bowled first against South Africa and conceded 382 runs. Quinton de Kock pummeled the bowling for 174 runs, while Heinrich Klaasen clubbed 90 off 49. Mahmudullah scored a hundred in the chase, but Bangladesh succumbed to 233 all out. Here are five player battles for the Netherlands vs Bangladesh match.
Litton Das vs Logan van Beek
Experienced Bangladesh opener Litton Das has had a mixed World Cup so far. He scored 76 against England and 66 against India, looking in good touch in both matches. In the other three games, he has registered scores of 13, 0 and 22. One thing with Das is that on his day, he can be the most destructive batter in the world. However, it is equally true that for a player of his caliber and experience, Das doesn’t have the desired consistency. Against the Netherlands as well, it will be about which batter comes to the fore.
Das could be challenged by Netherlands’ resolute all-rounder Logan van Beek. The pacer loves a challenge and is on a mission to prove that the Dutch should not be taken lightly, least of all in their own country. He has done an efficient job with the ball for the team in the World Cup, claiming 10 wickets in five games. Van Bee picked up a four-fer against Australia and three against South Africa. Could he get the early scalp of Das?
Vikramjit Singh vs Shoriful Islam
Netherlands’ aggressive opener Vikramjit Singh has found the going very tough in the ongoing World Cup. He began the competition with a defiant 52 against Pakistan but has failed to build on the start. In the subsequent four matches, he registered scores of 12, 2, 4, and 25. Vikramjit was looking good against Australia until he was run out attempting a risky single. Having found some rhythm, Vikramjit threw his wicket away. He should look to make amends against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s young left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam has been among the wickets in the 2023 World Cup, but he has been expensive as well. He has claimed six wickets so far, three of them coming against England and two against Afghanistan. Shoriful also picked up one wicket against South Africa but went for 76 runs. Like Vikramjit, he has also shown glimpses of brilliance. It will be interesting to see who wins this battle.
Shakib Al Hasan vs Aryan Dutt
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan returned to Dhaka briefly to work on his game with his personal mentor. The left-handed batter has had a disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign, registering scores of 14, 1, 40 and 1. The team expects a lot more from their skipper, especially in the absence of Tamim Iqbal. Shakib will hope that his trip back home would have helped him in some way to clear his head. Can he overcome his poor form and deliver with the bat for his team?
Netherlands off-spinner Aryan Dutt has impressed with his bowling talent as well as his attitude. The 20-year-old is not afraid to take up a challenge and has even succeeded in winning a couple of personal battles. He claimed 2/62 against New Zealand and picked up 3/44 against Sri Lanka. Dutt is definitely someone who will get better with age. He will face a tough challenge if he comes up against Shakib. It remains to be seen if he has an answer to the Bangladesh legend.
Scott Edwards vs Nasum Ahmed
Netherland skipper Scott Edwards was crucial to the team’s win in their historic triumph over South Africa. He rescued the team from a tough situation and ensured they put up a good total. In the end, it was more than enough for them to register a win. Edwards has looked good in a couple of other matches but hasn’t contributed much. Can he lift his game against Bangladesh?
Bangladesh left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed has played two matches for his team in the World Cup but has failed to make much of an impact. He registered figures of 0/60 against India and followed it up with 0/27 from five overs versus South Africa. Nasum is talented, no doubt, but Bangladesh will expect wickets from him. Can he prize out Edwards’ scalp?
Mahmudullah vs Paul van Meekeren
Mahmudullah’s international career got a second wind following his unexpected recall to the national side. He is making it count, for sure. When he was sent in at No. 8, he contributed impressive cameos. Promoted to No. 6 against South Africa, he smashed a hundred in a losing cause. There is still some fight left in the veteran cricketer.
Paul van Meekeren is among the wickets for the Netherlands more often than not. He claimed six wickets in the first four games but went wicketless in the last match against Australia. Van Meekeren will be keen to get his name in the wickets column against Bangladesh. Mahmudullah will be a big scalp, for sure.