NED vs AFG: Netherlands playing XI vs Afghanistan, Match 34, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Predicted

Netherlands will face Afghanistan in match No. 34 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Netherlands are the only associate nation that are featuring in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Not many were expected to do well in the teams, but they have proved many wrong. Netherlands beat South Africa, who are looking unstoppable at the moment. Then, they beat Bangladesh quite easily in their last game.

They still have some hopes for the semis. Though it looks very difficult, anything can be possible from here on. Netherlands will face Afghanistan in their next game, which will be played on Friday at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Their record against Afghanistan is not that good, but they will fancy their chances. Here we will talk about the predicted playing XI for Netherlands against Afghanistan.

NED vs AFG: Netherlands' Predicted playing XI vs Afghanistan

1. Vikramjit Singh :

Vikramjit Singh has been a weak link at the top of the order for Netherlands. He started with a fifty in the first game, but since then, he hasn't had many contributions. In six games, he has scored 98 runs. With a few games left in the group stage, he will look to make more contributions that can help his team's position.

2. Max O'Dowd :

Max O'Dowd has even worse numbers as an opener in this tournament. He was in good form before the tournament, but here he has scored just 61 runs in six innings at an average of 10.16. But in the past, he has been the top run-scorer for the team, and it is time to repay that faith and help his team in a must-win situation.

3. Wesley Barresi :

Wesley Barresi played his first match of the tournament against Bangladesh and looked pretty good. He scored a crucial 41 runs and helped his team to a cautious start. He is the most experienced batter in this team and even played in the 2011 World Cup in India, and that's what was seen in his performance. He will look to make an impact to give Netherlands an edge.

4. Colin Ackermann :

Colin Ackermann will be a key player for Netherlands because of his experience and skill to perform in both departments. He has done well so far and scored 152 runs with the bat. Ackermann has also taken five wickets with the ball at an economy rate of 4.83. His all-round skills will be the key for his team.

5. Scott Edwards (c & wk) :

Dutch skipper, Scott Edwards, is the backbone of the batting line-up. He scored vital half-centuries in both games that Netherlands have won so far. He has scored 204 runs at an average and strike rate of 51.00 and 90.66, respectively. A lot will depend on how he performs and takes his team to a good position on Friday.

6. Bas de Leede :

Bas de Leede will be the player to watch out for. He is the X-factor with his ability to win games in both departments. He has scored 114 runs and taken 11 wickets in this competition so far. De Leede is a pretty nippy bowler who takes wickets in the middle overs, which makes him a vital player for Netherlands.

7. Sybrand Engelbrecht :

Sybrand Engelbrecht has been superb for his team and has scored runs in difficult conditions. He has 164 runs at an average of 32.80 and has gotten good starts in almost every game. Engelbrecht will be expected to play well because he will be up against Afghan spinners, which will be a contest to watch out for.

8. Logan van Beek :

The man with a golden arm, Logan van Beek, will be a threat for Afghan batters. He has this special ability to take wickets and break partnerships. He has taken nine wickets in five innings and bowled tough overs in the middle and in death. His contribution with the bat is another important aspect. Van Beek has scored 120 runs at an average of 40, which makes him an important member of the team.

9. Shariz Ahmad :

Shariz Ahmad played his first game of the tournament against Bangladesh. Though he didn't make much of a contribution, he is a pretty decent all-rounder. He can bowl some useful overs of spin and can play some quick cameos, which is why he is on the team. As a spinner, he can get help in Lucknow and can become a hard bowler to get away with.

10. Aryan Dutt :

Aryan Dutt is one of those limited spinners that bowls in the powerplay, which is the hardest job for a spinner in this format. But he has done it brilliantly so far. Dutt has taken 8 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 4.96. He will be against Afghan openers, and if he can take some early wickets, his team will be all over Afghanistan.

11. Paul van Meekeren :

Paul van Meekeren has been a consistent bowler for Netherlands and has picked up wickets with the new ball. He has taken 10 wickets so far at a strike rate of 29.60. His team will hope that he can make an impact with the new ball because Afghanistan depends a lot on their top-order, and he can pick a couple of early wickets.