Home Sports World Cup: Australia aim for dominance against tenacious Netherlands in World Cup Clash | Cricket News

World Cup: Australia aim for dominance against tenacious Netherlands in World Cup Clash | Cricket News

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World Cup: Australia aim for dominance against tenacious Netherlands in World Cup Clash | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Australia, reinvigorated by their recent resurgence in batting prowess, are set to face a resilient Netherlands in their upcoming World Cup match. The five-time champions have displayed a remarkable turnaround after a disappointing start to their campaign, securing two convincing victories over Sri Lanka and Pakistan. However, they are aware that they cannot underestimate the Dutch team in a World Cup filled with surprises.
The Netherlands have been a pleasant surprise in this World Cup, stunning an in-form South Africa after returning to the tournament following a 12-year hiatus. Drawing inspiration from Afghanistan’s victory over Pakistan, the Dutch team aims to keep their inspiring journey alive.
The marauding display of the Australian team against Pakistan serves as a warning to their opponents. Several factors contribute to Australia’s resurgence, including their potent top-order batting, the return to form of spinner Adam Zampa, and the consistent performances of pacers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
David Warner and Mitchell Marsh’s return to form is a significant boost for Australia. Their aggressive batting can dismantle any opponent, exemplified by their 259-run opening partnership against Pakistan. Marsh, in particular, has seized the opportunity as an opener in place of the injured Travis Head, accumulating 351 runs in seven innings with a strike rate of 108.3. The ever-dependable Warner has appeared in ominous touch.
However, Australia seek additional firepower in their middle order, especially with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne encountering difficulties. While Smith has exceeded the 30-run mark just once in his last four innings, Labuschagne is yet to score a half-century in the tournament and has a low strike rate of 64.70. With Head nearing full fitness, the game against the Netherlands could be a decisive test for Smith and Labuschagne to prove themselves, as another failure may lead to one of them making way for the returning Head, who also provides a handy off-spin option.
While Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis have not set the stage ablaze with the bat, wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis has made a valuable contribution with two crucial fifties.
In the bowling department, Hazlewood has excelled in maintaining tight lines, Zampa has constricted the middle order, and Starc continued his prolific wicket-taking run. Skipper Pat Cummins, however, needs to contribute more and lead from the front.
Spin is expected to play a crucial role at the Feroz Shah Kotla track, following Afghanistan’s tweakers’ success in dismantling England recently. Australia will rely on Maxwell to support Zampa from the other end.
The Netherlands, despite never defeating Australia in ODIs, have showcased their capabilities in the run-up to the World Cup. The Orange Brigade stunned South Africa and narrowly lost to Sri Lanka. With a group of steady all-rounders, the Netherlands possess the potential to triumph, but better execution is needed, particularly in their top order and bowling department.
While the Dutch team has often found someone to steer them to 200-plus scores in the tournament, they have struggled with conceding too many boundary balls and lapses in fielding. Key bowlers like Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, and PA van Meekeren have been influential, but they require support from the rest of the squad and improved execution to counter their formidable opponents.
Concerns about deteriorating air quality in the national capital loom over the match, as it has been an issue in previous international fixtures in Delhi. The clash between Australia and the Netherlands promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams striving to make their mark in this competitive World Cup.
Teams:
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
Netherlands: Scott Edwards (c & wk), Colin Ackermann, Wesley Barresi (wk), Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Ryan Klein, Teja Nidamanuru, Max O’Dowd, Saqib Zulfiqar, Shariz Ahmad, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren and Vikramjit Singh.
(With inputs from PTI)



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