Schedule | Points table
The Dutch arrive in New Delhi buoyed by the belief that they can trouble more fancied sides. Their narrow defeat of former champions Pakistan in the tournament opener in Sri Lanka offered tangible evidence of this growing credibility and they will be looking forward to translating that confidence into crucial points against the African side.
Namibia, meanwhile, begin their campaign against opponents who are already battle-tested but whose opening game has also exposed vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
Against Pakistan, Netherlands posted 147 on the back of collective contributions rather than a single dominant innings. Captain Scott Edwards held the effort together with a measured 37, while Bas de Leede’s 30 and Colin Ackermann’s brisk 20 off 14 balls injected momentum through the middle overs. The innings highlighted the depth in the Dutch batting line-up, with runs coming from behind the top order.
However, it also revealed a known shortcoming. At 105 for four in the 13th over, the Netherlands looked set for a 160-plus total before Pakistan’s spinners clawed back, sparking a collapse that saw five wickets fall in 42 overs. This phase could once again prove decisive against a Namibian attack that, while less experienced, offers variety and discipline.
The Dutch once again underlined their competitiveness on the world stage with the ball. A check by Paul van Meekeren (2/20) and a poor spell by Roelof van der Merwe (1/13) dragged Pakistan into contention while off-spinner Aryan Dutt removed two key batsmen. Pakistan’s own middle-order blunders helped the cause, although lapses at the death – including conceding 46 in four overs to Logan van Beek and a late one against Faheem Ashraf – underlined the fine reserves the Dutch continue to navigate.
Namibia will draw confidence from these gaps. Led by Gerhard Erasmus, they combine youth with seasoned performers who have repeatedly punched above their weight at world cups. Erasmus, Jan Frylinck and JJ Smit form a strong all-round core capable of influencing matches in multiple disciplines. Frylinck’s left-arm pace and Smit’s variation could be particularly effective on New Delhi surfaces that reward bowlers who hit hard lengths and change pace.
Namibia will look to Louren Steenkamp and Malan Kruger for solidity up top, with goalkeeper Zane Green expected to anchor the middle order. Young batsmen like JC Balt and Dylan Leicher add an element of surprise, while the dual skills of Loftie-Eaton provide balance.
Bowling remains a cornerstone of Namibia. Ruben Trumpelmann’s left-arm swing offers a timely threat, while Bernard Scholtz brings experience and control with his slow orthodox left arm.
Conditions in New Delhi could further boost the competition. With shorter square boundaries and spacing that tends to slow down as matches play out, adaptability will be key. For both sides, the equation is simple: a win could shape their World Cup campaign, while defeat would leave little room for error in a fiercely competitive group.
platoons:
Scott Edwards (C), Max O’Dowd, Lion-Cachet Zach, Colin Ackermann, Michael Levitt,
Namibia: Malan Kruger, Gerhard Erasmus (C), Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Jan Balt, Dylan Leicher, JJ Smit, Zane Green, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, Willem Myburgh, Max Heingo.