PAK vs NED: Netherlands playing XI vs Pakistan, Match 2, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 - Predicted

Netherlands to play their opening game of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against Pakistan on Friday in Hyderabad.

The game between England and New Zealand on Thursday in Ahmedabad started the proceedings of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Every team will play nine games each in the group stage, and teams from the top will qualify for the semi-finals. The second game of the tournament will have Pakistan lock horns with Netherlands.

That game will take place at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, on October 6 (Friday) at 2 p.m. IST. Both teams are ready for the face-off. Netherlands made entry into this tournament after finishing in second place in World Cup qualifiers and can be the dark horses. Here we will talk about the predicted playing XI for Netherlands against Pakistan on Friday.

PAK vs NED: Netherlands' Predicted playing XI vs Pakistan

1. Vikramjeet Singh :

The 20-years-old Dutch opener, Vikramjit Singh, is a pretty special talent. He is an aggressive opener who likes to take on the bowling and provide a good start to the team. He has played 25 ODIs so far and scored 808 runs at 32.32, but against Pakistan, it will be his biggest challenge to face Shaheen, and if he can do well, he can give a good start to his team.

2. Max O’Dowd :

Max O’Dowd has been a consistent performer for his team. The right-hander had a pretty decent outing in World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe and is a free-flowing batter. Max has played 33 ODIs and scored 1158 runs at 37.35. He can be dangerous if he gets going, and Pakistan needs to get him out early in the innings.

3. Wesley Barresi :

Wesley Barresi is the most experienced batter on the side. He is the only Dutch player who played in 2011 World Cup in India and has experience playing here. He is also the oldest player to feature in this competition. The 39-year-old will look to do well for his team as it is likely to be his last World Cup. Barresi can go big and is good against spin as well.

4. Colin Ackermann :

Colin Ackermann is a decent batting all-rounder who has experience playing in various leagues around the world. He is a hard-hitting batter who hits big sixes off spinners. Ackermann is a T20I specialist, but Netherlands have picked him to give them power-hitting options in their batting department. So we might see him go after the bowling on Friday.

5. Scott Edwards (c & wk) :

Dutch captain, Scott Edwards, is very important for the batting-order. Batting at No. 5, he operates in the middle-order and takes the game deep, which is why he is very crucial in the line-up. Edwards had some good performances, and being a captain, he is expected to score runs on Friday. He can take advantage of Pakistan's out-of-form spin bowlers.

6. Bas de Leede :

A lot will depend on how Bas de Leede performs, because he is the biggest match-winner for Netherlands in this format. With 24 wickets and 765 runs in 29 games, he provides an important balance for the team with both the bat and the ball. He was the top-performer for his team in World Cup qualifiers and will look to do the same in this World Cup.

7. Roelof van der Merwe :

The inclusion of Roelof van der Merwe has given the team the right amount of experience, which is required. He was not part of the qualifiers, but in this World Cup, he will be a key player. Van Der Merwe has immense experience and has played in IPL as well. His spin bowling will be very helpful in Hyderabad, and his batting down the order can also be crucial.

8. Logan van Beek :

Born in New Zealand, Logan van Beek changed his country, played for Netherlands, and is among the first-choice players in the team. He is their premium bowler and can hit some big shots with the bat. His performances for his team in World Cup qualifiers were one of the reasons that Netherlands qualified for World Cup.

9. Shariz Ahmad :

The 20-years-old spinner Shariz Ahmad can be a surprise package for Pakistan on Friday. Pakistan have never faced him, and he hasn't played many games, so he can challenge the batters in the middle-overs. In 11 games, he has 13 wickets. He can get the turn in Hyderabad, and leg spinners are always wicket-taking options for the teams.

10. Ryan Klein :

Ryan Klein is right-arm quick and can be a powerful hitter down the order. Klein has done well in the past few months and has a few games under his belt. He has played 12 ODIs and taken 12 wickets at 5.03 and can be deceptive with the new ball. He can swing the ball and remove a few wickets from the top of the order.

11. Paul van Meekeren :

Paul van Meekeren didn't play in World Cup qualifiers, but he is back for World Cup tournament. He had a good game against Australia in the warm-up schedule. He can bowl at any stage of the game, which makes him a versatile batter. Paul will look to remove a few Pakistani batters cheaply to take Netherlands into the driving seat.