ICC CWC Qualifiers 2023: Zimbabwe vs Netherlands Match 5 Playing XI, Pitch Report and Fantasy Cricket Tips

Witness an exciting Group A encounter as the host, Zimbabwe, takes on the Dutch side of the Netherlands in Match 5 of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023. The clash is scheduled to take place at Harare Sports Club in Harare on June 20. Zimbabwe has made an impressive start in the tournament with a comfortable 8-wicket victory over Nepal. The team is in great form and will enter this match with high confidence. On the other hand, the Netherlands will be playing their first game in the tournament, and although some of their key players are unavailable due to international duties, they will aim to put up a strong fight against the host.

FAIRPLAY ZIMBABWE VS NETHERLANDS ICC QUALIFIERS MATCH BANNERS

Pitch Report

The pitch at Harare Sports Club offers an even contest between bat and ball. A previous game producing a high score indicates a similar trend for this match. The team winning the coin toss is likely to opt for fielding, and we might witness a high-scoring encounter.

Venue Details

Total matches- 176
Batting 1st won- 81
Bowling 1st won- 91
Avg. 1st innings score- 231

Match Preview

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has made an impressive start to their campaign, maintaining an undefeated streak in their last three matches and aiming to continue their winning momentum. Their opening World Cup qualifier match against Nepal resulted in a convincing eight-wicket victory. Despite Nepal setting a challenging target of 290 runs while batting first, Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava’s exceptional performance of taking four wickets, restricted Nepal’s scoring. Kushal Bhurtel of Nepal showcased remarkable batting skills, scoring an impressive 99 runs. However, Zimbabwe’s captain, Ervine, played exceptionally well with 121 runs, securing a triumphant start for Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifiers.

In addition, Sean Williams delivered a brilliant performance, scoring 102 runs with an outstanding strike rate of over 145. Both the experienced batsmen, captain Craig Ervine and Sean Williams, have displayed their best skills. Sean’s achievement of scoring the fastest ODI hundred by a Zimbabwean in just 70 balls is a remarkable feat. The bowling unit appears settled and in great form, featuring talented players such as Ngarava, Muzarabani, W Masakadza, T Chatara, and other capable part-time bowlers like S Raza and S Williams. With the home advantage on their side, Zimbabwe is expected to excel, and the Netherlands must carefully strategize before their upcoming match against them.

Netherlands

The Netherlands team is facing their first match without key players Colin Ackermann, Fred Klaasen, Paul van Meekeren, and Vivian Kingma. Under the leadership of wicketkeeper-batter Scott Edwards, they are determined to end their four-match losing streak. The team’s strength lies in their solid top order, with V Singh and Max O’Dowd providing a strong start to the innings. Teja Nidamanaru, Scott Edwards, and Bas de Leede handle the middle-order responsibilities. However, the absence of F Klaasen and V Kingma has weakened their bowling unit, which could pose a challenge in this opening match.

In April 2023, the Netherlands suffered heavy defeats in a two-match ODI series against the formidable South Africa, losing by a margin of 2-0 on their home ground. Prior to that, in March 2023, they toured Zimbabwe for a three-match ODI series, which ended in a 2-1 loss for the Netherlands. Although they secured a victory against Ireland in the recently concluded World Cup Qualifier matches, they faced a significant defeat against Sri Lanka. The year 2023 has not been particularly successful for them so far, and it is crucial for them to focus on improving their bowling department, in particular.

Head-to-Head Records

Whenever these two sides met, the contest has been even and they won equal matches. Out of 6 matches played between them, both won 3 matches each.

Matches Played	ZIM won	NED won	Tie	No result
6	3	3	0	0

Top Performers

We are taking stats of the last match played by both teams to understand more about the players’ performance.

Zimbabwe

Player	Runs	BattingS. Rate	Wickets	Bowling economy
C Ervine	121	94.5
S Williams	102	145.7
R Ngarva			4	4.8
W Masakadza			2	4.2

Netherlands

Player	Runs	BattingS. Rate	Wickets	Bowling economy
M O’Dowd	36	87.8
W Barresi	89	104.7
L van Beek			2	3.2
S Ahmad			2	9

Team Squads

Zimbabwe

Craig Ervine(c), Wessly Madhevere, Joylord Gumbie, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande(wk), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brad Evans

Netherlands

Max ODowd, Vikramjit Singh, Wesley Barresi, Scott Edwards(w/c), Teja Nidamanuru, Bas de Leede, Shariz Ahmad, Aryan Dutt, Logan van Beek, Vivian Kingma, Saqib Zulfiqar, Clayton Floyd, Ryan Klein, Michael Levitt, Noah Croes

Zimbabwe vs Netherlands Top Fantasy Picks

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s wicketkeeper, Clive Madande, showcased his batting skills in the previous three-match ODI series against the Netherlands, emerging as the leading run-scorer. With his solid performances, he is likely to excel once again in the top order.
Sean Williams, a phenomenal all-rounder, has already proven his worth with a magnificent century in the opening game against Nepal. He also contributes crucial wickets with his spin bowling, making him a valuable asset for Zimbabwe.
Wesley Madhevere, another talented all-rounder, made significant contributions with the ball against the Netherlands. He adds depth to the middle order and has the potential to play crucial innings when needed.
Zimbabwe’s pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava have been sensational in picking up wickets consistently. If Zimbabwe gets the opportunity to bowl first, these two pace sensations will pose a formidable threat, particularly in the early stages of the innings.

Netherlands

The experienced and skilled Max O’Dowd, a veteran player in the Netherlands team, has consistently performed at the top order. He played well against Zimbabwe in the previous three-match ODI series, emerging as the leading run-scorer. O’Dowd’s ability to score crucial runs at the beginning of the innings makes him a key asset for the team.
Teja Nidamanaru, an emerging talent in the Netherlands squad, has been particularly impressive in the middle order. He has displayed excellent form throughout the year and was the second-highest run-scorer in the series against Zimbabwe.
Shariz Ahmad, a skilled leg-spinner, has the potential to be a game-changer if the pitch provides assistance to spinners. He displayed his capabilities in the previous series by taking eight wickets, making him the leading wicket-taker.

Probable Playing XI

Zimbabwe

Clive Madande(wk), Joylord Gumbie, Craig Ervine(c), Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava

Netherlands

Max ODowd, Vikramjit Singh, Wesley Barresi, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards(c & wk), Logan van Beek, Saqib Zulfiqar, Shariz Ahmad, Aryan Dutt, Clayton Floyd

Fantasy Playing XI

Based on the stats above, this could be the fantasy team.

Wicketkeepers: Clive Madande
Batters: Max ODowd, Vikramjit Singh, Teja Nidamanuru
All-Rounders: Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Bas de Leede
Bowlers: Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Shariz Ahmad
Captain: Sean Williams / Sikandar Raza
Vice-captain: Wessly Madhevere / Clive Madande

Conclusion

The ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 sets the stage for an enthralling contest as Zimbabwe enters the match with an impressive run of two consecutive victories, while the Netherlands faces the challenge of a four-match losing streak. Zimbabwe will have the advantage of familiar home conditions and will undoubtedly rely on this factor to strengthen its performance. On the other hand, the Netherlands will be determined to seek redemption for their previous series loss and kick-start their campaign with a thumping win. It would be interesting to see how the Dutch side turn up. Can they break Zimbabwe’s winning streak or the host will prevail again? Only time will tell us.

Stay up-to-date with the latest cricket odds for this match through one of several reputable cricket sportsbooks, like Fairplay.