Netherlands (NED) will face Sri Lanka (SL) in Lucknow in Saturday’s first game in the ODI World Cup 2023. The Dutch side will be high on confidence after ending South Africa’s winning streak in their previous game. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will be looking forward to ending their losing streak.
The Netherlands showed promise against Pakistan before being hammered by New Zealand. However, against South Africa, the Scott Edwards-led side fought hard and ended up as the better team on the day. The Dutch side has got their first win out of the way and will hope to use the momentum to pull off a few more upsets as the tournament rolls on.
The Netherlands would be upbeat about their chances against Sri Lanka as the former champions are struggling big time with injuries to some of their key players. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera were ruled out ahead of the tournament and skipper Dasun Shanaka followed suit after the second game. The inexperienced bowling attack looks quite fragile and can crumble under pressure if the Dutch side can take the attack to them. After three losses in as many games, the Sri Lankan players will be low on confidence and this could make it a much more even contest than what fans would have predicted prior to the tournament.
NED vs. SL Match Details:
| Match | Venue | Date & Time | Live Streaming Details |
| Netherlands vs Sri Lanka, ODI World Cup 2023, Match 19 | Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow | Saturday, October 21, 10:30 AM (IST) | Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar app and website |
Ekana Cricket Stadium Pitch Report and Conditions:
The newly laid pitches at the Ekana Cricket Stadium have been good for batting in the ODI World Cup 2023, especially in the first half of the first innings. In the two matches played so far at this venue, the opening partnerships in the first innings have been 108 and 125. The team that wins the toss could bat first and look to post a total in excess of 300. Chasing could be difficult as the pitch slows down and helps spinners as the innings progresses.
NED vs. SL Head-to-Head Record:
| Matches Played | Netherlands Won | Sri Lanka Won | First Played | Last Played |
| 5 | 00 | 05 | 16-Sep-02 | 9-Jul-23 |
NED vs. SL Probable Playing XI
Netherlands (NED):
Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (C & WK), Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren
Sri Lanka (SL):
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (C & WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
Probable Best Performers:
Probable Best Batter: Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
The campaign thus far might not have been memorable for Sri Lanka but Kusal Mendis has looked class apart. He has scored 207 runs in three games at an average of 69 and a mind-boggling strike rate of 156.82. Now, he is also the stand-in captain of Sri Lanka and if he can get going, he will give his team a great chance to bag its elusive first win.
Also Check: Most Runs in ICC World Cup 2023
Probable Best Bowler: Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka)
Maheesh Theekshana has had a forgettable start in his maiden ODI World Cup appearance. In two games, he has conceded runs at an economy rate of 6.35 and picked up a solitary wicket. However, he did really well against the Netherlands in the World Cup Qualifiers, picking up seven wickets in two games. His mystery spin could be difficult to pick for Edwards and Co.
Today’s Match Prediction: Sri Lanka to win the match
Check: NED vs SL Dream11 Prediction
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
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