Sri Lanka vs Netherlands: ICC World Cup Qualifier 2023, Final Match, Preview and Predictions

After an exhilarating 20-day-long ICC CWC Qualifier 2023, the final whistle has blown, revealing the two teams that have successfully secured their spots in the highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023 in India. While Sri Lanka was widely anticipated to be among the qualified teams, the Netherlands has certainly turned heads with their impressive performances throughout the tournament.

Now, the spotlight shifts to the grand final, set to take place on July 9th (Sunday) at the renowned Harare Sports Club in Harare. Although both teams have already secured their World Cup berths, they are eager to seize victory in the tournament and claim the title of champions. The final showdown promises an exciting battle between two competitive sides as they strive for glory on the cricket field.

Teams Preview

Sri Lanka

Dasun Shanaka’s Sri Lankan team has been unstoppable in the tournament, living up to their reputation as one of the favorites. They showcased their prowess in a convincing 8-wicket victory against the West Indies in the last game. With their sights set on qualifying for the World Cup, Sri Lanka aims to maintain their winning form and secure their spot in style.

Led by the impressive partnership of Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne, who recently built a remarkable 190-run stand, Sri Lanka relies on their strong middle order to build partnerships and contribute to their success. With power hitters like Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka possesses a formidable batting lineup that strikes fear in their opponents. On the bowling front, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, and the experienced duo of de Silva and Shanaka form a strong unit that aims to take early wickets and maintain pressure on the Netherlands’ batting lineup.

With their exceptional performance and a strong determination to qualify for the World Cup, Sri Lanka enters the upcoming match against the Netherlands with confidence and a desire to extend their winning streak. Their dominant batting and skilled bowling make them a force to be reckoned with, propelling them towards their ultimate goal.

Netherlands

Scott Edwards’ Netherlands side has had a memorable campaign, overcoming challenges to secure their place in the upcoming World Cup. After an initial loss, they rebounded with impressive wins against West Indies and Scotland, earning them a well-deserved ticket to the prestigious tournament. Their recent must-win game against Scotland saw them emerge victorious by 4 wickets, providing a confidence boost. Seeking redemption from their previous defeat to Sri Lanka, a win in this crucial match will further strengthen their belief and aspirations.

Max O’Dowd and Vikramjit Singh have been in exceptional form at the top of the order, providing the Netherlands with solid starts. The team relies on their consistent performances to lay a strong foundation in this game. Bas de Leede, who showcased brilliance with a remarkable century in the last match, along with Teja Nidamanuru and Wesley Barresi, will be key contributors in the middle order. Scott Edwards, Saqib Zulfiqar, and Logan Van Beek excel in the finishers’ role, and their contributions will be crucial to the team’s success.

The Netherlands’ bowling attack is spearheaded by the impressive performances of Logan Van Beek and Ryan Klein with the new ball. Against Sri Lanka’s formidable batting line-up, their ability to deliver impactful spells will be vital. Bas de Leede, who recently claimed a five-wicket haul, must maintain accuracy and control during the middle overs, while receiving support from Clayton Floyd and Aryan Dutt. With the added depth and variety brought by Saqib Zulfiqar and Vikramjit Singh, the Netherlands possess a formidable bowling arsenal.

With determination and the goal of boosting their confidence, the Netherlands enters this crucial encounter against Sri Lanka. Their consistent batting performances and a potent bowling attack will play pivotal roles in their quest for victory. Success in this match will solidify their position in the tournament and establish the Netherlands as a competitive force on the global stage.

Head to Head Record

Both teams have competed in four One Day International (ODI) matches thus far. However, Sri Lanka has been overwhelmingly successful against the Netherlands, winning all four games. Will the Netherlands be able to achieve a victory this time, or will Sri Lanka maintain its dominant streak?

Key Players to Watch

Analyzing Form Through ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers Match Statistics

Sri Lanka Player Team Records

Netherlands Player Team Records

Pitch Report:

Among all the cricket venues in Zimbabwe, the Harare Sports Club stands out as the ultimate paradise for batsmen. Its surface is known to favor batting, offering minimal assistance to bowlers. Throughout the season, teams batting first have thrived, frequently surpassing the monumental 300-run milestone. Notably, Zimbabwe displayed their batting prowess with an astonishing total of 408 runs against the USA, showcasing the immense potential the pitch holds for high-scoring encounters.

SL vs WI Probable Playing 11

Based on a thorough analysis of the teams’ recent performances and squad compositions, the anticipated lineups for the Netherlands Vs Netherlands match are predicted as follows:

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wicket-keeper), Dasun Shanaka (captain), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva

Netherlands

Vikramjit Singh, Max ODowd, Wesley Barresi, Scott Edwards (captain & wicketkeeper), Teja Nidamanuru, Ryan Klein, Aryan Dutt, Clayton Floyd, Bas de Leede, Saqib Zulfiqar, Logan van Beek

Sri Lanka Vs Netherlands Match Prediction

The Netherlands have performed admirably in the tournament and have earned their place in the final. They have achieved significant victories, but they face a formidable opponent in this match. Historically, they have never been able to defeat Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka possesses a more seasoned team with a strong top order that is currently in good form. This gives them an advantage and makes them the favorites to win this game. The prediction is Sri Lanka will emerge victorious.

Conclusion

In conclusion, with Sri Lanka and the Netherlands emerging as the two teams to secure their spots in the ODI World Cup 2023. The grand final between these two teams promises an exciting battle as they compete for the championship title. Sri Lanka, with their dominant batting lineup and skilled bowling unit, enters the match with confidence and aims to extend their winning streak. On the other hand, the Netherlands, with their consistent batting performances and potent bowling attack, seeks redemption from their previous defeat and aims to establish themselves as a competitive force. Despite the Netherlands’ admirable performance in the tournament, Sri Lanka’s historical dominance over them and their strong form make them the favorites to emerge victorious in this crucial encounter.