World Cup 2023 Review: Netherlands – Dutch show their might
Netherlands secured their place in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on the back of sensational victories over West Indies and Scotland. The Dutch led by Scott Edwards came into the tournament with hopes of making it to the semi-finals, however, finished on the last spot on the points table with two wins from nine matches having four points to their name. Their two victories came against South Africa and Bangladesh in Dharamsala and Kolkata respectively.
Top Batter
Sybrand Engelbrecht starred with the bat for the Netherlands as he finished as the highest run-scorer for his side with 300 runs from eight innings at an average of 37.50 with two fifties to his name. His highest score of 70 (82) came against Sri Lanka which rescued his team from 91/6 to reach 261.
Top Bowler
Bas de Leede was the main man with the ball for the Dutch as he finished as the highest wicket-taker for his side with 16 wickets to his name from eight innings at an average of 30.43 and an economy of 7.26. His best performance came against Pakistan in their first game where he picked 4/62 and also scored a brilliant 67 (68).
The right-arm seamer also bowled crucial spells of 2/36 in 8 overs and 2/25 in 7 overs against South Africa and Bangladesh and contributed immensely in the two victories for his side in the entire tournament.
X-Factor Player
Colin Ackerman was the X factor for Netherlands who contributed with both bat and ball throughout the tournament for his side. The 32-year-old scored 216 runs from nine innings and also picked five wickets bowling at an economy of 4.94.
Most Memorable Moment
The most memorable moment of the Netherlands’ campaign was easily their victory over South Africa. After reeling at 112/6, they went on to score 245/8 in a 43-over game courtesy of their captain Scott Edwards’ innings of 78* (69). In reply, South Africa were bundled out for just 207 with Logan van Beek being the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/60 in 8.5 overs. Paul van Meekeren (2/40, 9 overs), Roelof van der Merwe (2/34, 9 overs) and Bas de Leede (2/36, 8 overs) also picked two wickets each.
