The World Cup 2023 is reaching its climax, and the final league match between India and the Netherlands is set to take place at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Scheduled for 2:00 PM local time, this 45th match of the tournament is more about pride and experience than competition, as India has already secured a spot in the semi-finals.
India’s Domination
India’s performance in the tournament has been nothing short of exceptional. Winning all eight of their matches, they’ve shown dominance in both batting and bowling. They’ve left strong teams like Pakistan and New Zealand in their wake, even humbling Sri Lanka and South Africa with their potent attack. With a berth in the semi-finals already booked, India might experiment with their lineup, giving players like Prasidh Krishna and Ishan Kishan a chance to shine.
The Netherlands’ Surprising Journey
The Netherlands have had a memorable World Cup, winning two out of eight games. Their victory against South Africa was a highlight, showing they can challenge the best. They now have a chance to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy, depending on other match outcomes.
India’s Path in the Tournament
India’s journey began with a victory over Australia and continued with wins against Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Mohammed Shami’s inclusion, following Hardik Pandya’s injury, bolstered their bowling, as evidenced by Shami’s impressive performance against New Zealand and subsequent matches.
The Netherlands’ Ups and Downs
The Netherlands showed promise against Pakistan but couldn’t secure a win. They bounced back against South Africa but then faced losses against teams like Sri Lanka and Australia. Their win against Bangladesh in Kolkata was a standout performance, but they’ve struggled in matches against Afghanistan and England.
Head to Head: India vs Netherlands
India and the Netherlands have met twice in ODIs, with India winning both encounters. Their last meeting was in 2011, with players like Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli making significant contributions.
Players to Watch
- Mohammad Shami (India): With 16 wickets in just four matches, Shami has been a key player for India. His ability to take wickets at different stages of the game makes him a vital asset.
- Bas de Leede (Netherlands): De Leede has shown his worth both with bat and ball, making crucial contributions against top teams.
Predicted Line-ups
- भारत: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (c), Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Prasidh Krishna.
- Netherlands: Wesley Barresi, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekren.
Match Prediction
India, with its top form, is the clear favorite in this match. The Netherlands, although underdogs, will aim to give their best and end the tournament on a high note. However, facing the formidable Indian team could be a daunting challenge for them.
