ICC world Cup 2023: Netherlands vs Afghanistan match preview

Clash between Netherlands and Afghanistan in ICC World Cup 2023 promises to be an exciting encounter at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium.

By Deepa Sharma On Nov 3, 2023 0

Lucknow: The clash between the Netherlands and Afghanistan in the ICC World Cup 2023 promises to be an exciting encounter with significant implications for both teams. Winning this match could open door to the Champions Trophy 2025 for the Netherlands, while Afghanistan aims to secure a spot in the Semi-finals.

Until now, the Netherland’s was not aware that a rule change allowed lower-ranked teams a chance to qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025 if they finish among the top 8 teams in the ICC World Cup 2023. This revelation should serve as inspiration for the Dutch team to aim for a victory against Afghanistan, even if they technically have a slim chance of progressing further in the tournament.

Afghanistan, currently ranked 6^th, has the opportunity to make history by reaching the semi-finals if they finish among the top 4 teams in this World Cup. Losing this match is not an option for Afghanistan since their remaining fixtures are against formidable opponents, Australia and South Africa. A victory against the Netherlands would put them on par with Australia and New Zealand, currently ranked 3^rd and 4^th respectively.

In their nine One Day Internationals (ODIs) against each other, Afghanistan has won seven matches, while the Netherlands has won two. In their most recent encounter in January 2022 in Doha, Qatar, Afghanistan dominated by winning the ODI series 3-0.

Also Read: Men’s ODI World Cup: India Registers Its Biggest Victory, Defeats Sri Lanka By A Mammoth 302 Runs

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow is known for being spinner friendly, resulting in low-scoring matches. However, the newly laid World Cup wickets, made from black soil, have also favoured batsmen. Out of the eight ODIs played at this venue, four were won by teams batting first and four by teams bowling first.

Lucknow’s weather forecast suggests early morning showers, with no rain expected later in the day. The match is expected to start with temperatures as high as 31 degrees, cooling down to 22 degrees in the late evening. Humidity is predicted to be moderate at 58%.