T20 World Cup 2022: Match 34 - Predicted Netherlands Playing XI vs Zimbabwe

The Netherlands were put to test throughout the T20 World Cup 2022, and their journey to the Super 12 was not at all easy. They bagged two crucial wins in the first-round games, but they had to rely on United Arab Emirates’ victory over Namibia to qualify for the second round. But thereon, they haven’t won a single game so far.

Their first match was against Bangladesh, where the batters put up a good fight, but fell short of nine runs. They met India next but were handed a disappointing 56-run defeat. Their third game against Pakistan turned out to be a one-sided affair as they were handed the third defeat of the tournament. They will be up against Zimbabwe in their next fixture.

Netherlands’ probable playing XI against Zimbabwe:

Openers: Max O'Dowd and Stephen Myburgh

One of the few players who has showcased quality batting for the Netherlands is Max O’Dowd. Though he could not score big runs in the game against Pakistan, his outing against India was impressive. The distinguished opener produced a few of beautiful strokes at the top of the innings before Axar Patel took him out.

Vikramjeet Singh was the team’s regular opener, but after a string of poor performances, Stephen Myburgh replaced him at the top of the order in the previous game. It was just his first game against Pakistan, but he was dismissed just when he found his rhythm. He will be expected to continue against Zimbabwe.

Middle-order: Colin Ackermann, Tom Cooper, and Scott Edwards (c & wk)

Colin Ackermann has produced some fine performances in the tournament. He batted like a lone warrior against Bangladesh but his half-century went in vain. Though he could not repeat his heroics against India and Pakistan, he gave his best to anchor the innings in the middle.

Tom Cooper, an Australian-born player, has a broad background of performing in franchise competitions all around the world. However, the seasoned player is another Dutch player who has had a mundane tournament thus far. Cooper is one of the few players with experience playing in Australia, and the team would be hoping for him to be at his best.

One of the liveliest and most optimistic people in the game is the captain of the Netherlands, Scott Edwards. But, being the skipper, he has been one of the setbacks in the team and has failed to impress recently. That is where the middle order lacks behind.

All-rounders: Bas de Leede, Tim Pringle, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe

Bas de Leede was seriously injured in the previous game against Pakistan and had to walk out retired hurt. But he is likely to play the next fixture. He has been one of the team's discoveries over the past couple of years and has also managed to grab the spotlight quite often.

Tim Pringle was the side’s top runs scorer in the India game but failed to impress against Pakistan. Being an all-rounder, the team would expect him to be at his best in both departments so as to aim for a positive end to their campaign.

Logan van Beek had a terrible outing against India, but improved his performance against Pakistan in the previous game. He gave away just nine runs in the two overs that he bowled and maintained a brilliant economy.

Roelof van der Merwe replaced Shariz Ahmed in the team last time. He got to bowl just one over against Pakistan where he conceded seven runs. He failed with the bat and was taken down for a 6-ball 5-run score.

Bowlers: Paul van Meekeren, Fred Klaassen

In their combined first four overs, Paul van Meekeren and Fred Klassen had a strong start to the game, allowing just 13 and 12 runs, respectively. By cheaply removing the deadly Indian opener KL Rahul, the former even delivered a critical blow. He repeated a similar heroic against Pakistan by dismissing Mohammad Rizwan.

Netherlands' Predicted Playing XI against Pakistan: Max ODowd, Stephen Myburgh, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Tom Cooper, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Tim Pringle, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Fred Klaassen, Paul van Meekeren