Game 28: Netherlands Takes the Lead, Decides to Bat First
Despite their staggering 309-run defeat to Australia, the Netherlands have chosen to maintain a steady lineup, with Wesley Barresi and Shariz Ahmad replacing Roelof van der Merwe and Teja Nidamanuru in the playing XI.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has also made a couple of changes for the match at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Taskin Ahmed and Shak Mahedi Hasan have been chosen over Nasum Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud.
This marks only the third time that Bangladesh and the Netherlands have faced each other in an ODI, with their previous encounters dating back over a decade.
These rare face-offs include a memorable Cricket World Cup match in 2011, where Bangladesh emerged victorious on their home ground in Chattogram. Wesley Barresi, the most experienced player in the tournament, is the only one from the Netherlands who participated in that match. For Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah were part of that winning team.
Teams Seek Redemption After Recent Losses
While the teams seem to be more evenly matched this time, the Netherlands must recover from their crushing defeat by Australia and regain the form they displayed in their surprise victory over South Africa.
On the other hand, Bangladesh, after a promising start with a six-wicket win over Afghanistan, has suffered four consecutive losses, putting their campaign on shaky ground.
Although the knockout stages may seem unattainable for both Bangladesh and the Netherlands, given their current standings, the winner of this match will earn four points, keeping their semi-final dreams alive.
Team Lineups
Netherlands Squad:
Scott Edwards (c), Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Wesley Barresi, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Logan van Beek, Shariz Ahmad, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren
Bangladesh Squad:
Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam