The Netherlands recently learned that they had a chance to qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025 if they finished among the Top 8 teams in the ICC World Cup 2023. They were unaware of a rule change that had made it possible for lower-ranked teams to qualify. This revelation has inspired them to aim for victory in their upcoming match against Afghanistan, even though they technically have no chance to advance further in the tournament.
On the other hand, Afghanistan is determined to achieve glory. Currently ranked number 6, they have the opportunity to make history by qualifying for the semi-finals if they can secure a place among the Top 4 teams. Losing this match is not an option for Afghanistan, as their remaining two matches are against formidable opponents, Australia on November 7 and South Africa on November 10. If Afghanistan manages to win this match, they will be tied in points with Australia and New Zealand, who currently hold the third and fourth positions, respectively.
Match : Afghanistan vs Netherlands, November 3, 14:00 IST
Venue : BRSABVE Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Team News :
Netherlands :
In light of the recent success of pacers in Lucknow, the Netherlands may opt to include Ryan Klein in place of Shariz Ahmad in their playing XI.
Probable XI: Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Wesley Barresi, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Bas de Leede, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Logan van Beek, Ryan Klein, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren
Tactics & Strategy :
Scott Edwards has shown proficiency against spin in ODIs, with an average of 65.92 and 791 runs off 794 balls. He will play a crucial role for the Netherlands, especially when facing the likes of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan.
Afghanistan :
In the previous game, Rahmanullah Gurbaz took over the wicket-keeping duties due to Ikram Alikhil’s injury to his right hand’s little finger. Head coach Jonathan Trott has confirmed that Ikram is fit to play.
Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Tactics & Strategy :
Left-arm fast bowlers have been a challenge for the Netherlands batsmen in recent years. Max O’Dowd and Vikramjit Singh have been dismissed by left-arm pacers six times each since 2021, while Bas de Leede and Teja Nidamanuru have fallen prey five times. Wesley Barresi has also been dismissed by left-arm pace bowlers three times, and all these players have an average of below 30 against left-arm quicks. Therefore, the in-form Fazalhaq Farooqi, who was awarded the player of the match in the last game, will be a key bowler against the Netherlands’ top order.
