The table-toppers India will clash with the last-placed Netherlands in the final game of the 2023 World Cup’s league stage. India, having won all eight of their matches, have secured a spot in the semifinals against New Zealand. The Netherlands have won only two of their eight matches and have an outside chance of finishing in the top eight. However, their performance has not been promising.
The Netherlands’ leading run-scorer in the World Cup so far is Sybrand Engelbrecht, with 255 runs in seven innings at an average of 36.42. However, their top-order batsmen have not been able to score centuries consistently, and India will capitalize on this weakness.
In terms of bowling, the Netherlands have a finger-spin heavy attack, with good control and accuracy. However, their spinners have not been able to take wickets consistently. India will look to take the attack to the opposition spinners, especially at a ground like the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where slower bowlers have struggled to keep run-scoring in check.
Max O’Dowd has been a source of worry for the Netherlands as he has failed to deliver as an opener. The team’s top order has struggled throughout the tournament, and India’s new-ball attack is expected to take advantage of this weakness.
Overall, India is the clear favorite in the upcoming clash, given the gulf in quality between the two sides. It’s evident that the Netherlands have underperformed in the 2023 World Cup, and India will aim to exploit their weaknesses in the upcoming game.
