Netherlands vs Scotland*, ICC WCQ 2023, Today Match Prediction 06 July 2023

nl vs sct Match Prediction & Analysis

Scotland will lock horns with the Netherlands at the Queens Sports Club in what will be a must-win game for both sides. A win here would seal a World Cup berth for Scotland while the Netherlands can tie with Zimbabwe and Scotland with 6 points. 

And then the NRR will decide which team finishes at number 2 and makes it to the World Cup. Both teams are in great form and have won 3 of their last 4 games. 

The only loss for both teams came against Sri Lanka. The Netherlands were particularly exceptional in their Group Stage game against West Indies that ended in a tie and the Dutch were victorious in the super over.

The pitch here doesn’t seem great for batting and it will be a little difficult to score runs in the middle. Logan van Beek and Bas de Leede will be key bowlers for the Netherlands whereas for Scotland, Chris Sole and Brandon McMullen are the key bowlers to watch out for.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Netherlands Preview

After failing to chase 214 against Sri Lanka in their first Super Sixes match, the Netherlands quickly bounced back in the next game scoring a massive 362-run total batting first. 

They will be quite confident coming into this game after a 74-run victory over Oman in the last match. Wesley Barresi scored his second consecutive fifty while opener Vikramjit Singh was the top run-getter with a hundred. 

Bas de Leede is a key all-rounder for the Netherlands. His form is crucial for the team’s success. He’s been consistent in the middle order and will be expected to strike partnerships with skipper Scott Edwards and number 3 batter Barresi.

Another all-rounder who’s made a big impact for the Netherlands is Logan van Beek. He scored 28 off 14 at number 8 while chasing a massive total against West Indies. And then pelted 30 runs off Holder in the Super Over. 

Saqib Zulfiqar is another handy batter down the order while Teja Nidamanuru who scored a hundred against Windies has struggled in recent outings. Spinners will come into play on this ground and the likes of Aryan Dutt and Saqib Zulfiqar will be ones to watch out for in this lineup.

Netherlands Predicted Playing XI:

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

Netherlands Actual Playing XI:

Aryan Dutt, Ryan Klein, Teja Nidamanuru, Wesley Barresi, Clayton Floyd, Logan van Beek, Max O'Dowd, Saqib Zulfiqar, Vikramjit Singh, Scott Edwards, Bas de Leede

Scotland* Preview

Unlike their opposition, Scotland don’t have to worry about the NRR. All they need is a win here and they are through to the World Cup. Scotland have won 2 of their 3 matches at this venue in Bulawayo.

Chasing a target here is very challenging. In the last 5 matches played here, only once has a team successfully chased down a target. Scotland managed to successfully defend 234 runs in their last outing here. And before that, the Berrington-led team had lost to Sri Lanka by 82 runs chasing 246 on this ground. It is clear what Berrington will choose if he wins the toss. 

Matthew Cross, Brandon McMullen, and George Munsey are the key batters in the top 4 responsible for laying a strong foundation early in the innings. Munsey at number 4 and Berrington at 5 should also be looking to build partnerships. These two need to step up and deliver in a must-win game. 

While the batting lineup is deep, Scotland need more contributions from the top order. In the lower order, Chris Greaves, Micheal Leask, and Mark Watt are also handy with the bat and can add crucial runs at the death.

In the bowling attack, watch out for Chris Sole and Brendon McMullen with the pace. Mark Watt, Chris Greaves, and Michael Leask will be in key roles in the spin department.

Scotland* Predicted Playing XI:

Christopher McBride, Matthew Cross (wk), Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Richie Berrington (c), Tomas Mackintosh, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole

Scotland* Actual Playing XI:

Tom Mackintosh, Michael Leask, Richie Berrington, Matthew Cross, Mark Watt, Christopher McBride, Chris Sole, Safyaan Sharif, George Munsey, Brandon McMullen, Chris Greaves

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch will assist the bowlers. The cutters from pacers will come into play as the game progresses while spinners will also enjoy bowling on this surface. The weather will be clear and sunny with a high of 21 degrees Celsius.

Venue Details

The Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is the venue for this all-important game between two of the most impressive sides in this tournament. The average 1st innings score in ODIs at this venue is 244 runs. Considering the recent matches played here, a 250+ score looks like a very competitive total.

Toss: To Bat

Given the slowish nature of this pitch, there is no doubt as to what the team winning the toss would choose. Chasing anything over 250 is a big ask on this ground and the choice to bat first is a straightforward one.