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As the race to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 gathers momentum, the Netherlands have named a strong and balanced 15-player squad for their upcoming fixtures against Scotland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These matches are part of the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 cycle for 2023-27, a crucial pathway to the prestigious global event.
The Netherlands will play a total of four One Day Internationals in early May – two each against Scotland and UAE. These fixtures carry significant weight as every point in the League 2 standings brings the teams closer to a potential World Cup appearance. The matches are scheduled to be held at two of the country’s prominent venues – VRA Ground in Amstelveen and Kampong Cricket Club in Utrecht.
Blend of experience and youth in the Netherlands squad
The squad will once again be led by wicketkeeper-batter Scott Edwards. Familiar faces like Paul van Meekeren, Bas de Leede, and Max O’Dowd bring consistency and firepower to the team, while the inclusion of seasoned all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe adds depth with both bat and ball.
Netherlands’ selectors have maintained a balance between proven performers and promising youngsters like Noah Croes and Zach Lion-Cachet, aiming to build a robust squad not just for the immediate series but also with a long-term vision for 2027.
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Recent form of the Dutch team
The Dutch recently participated in a tri-series in Namibia, facing both the hosts and Canada. They secured two victories, with the remaining games unfortunately washed out. Despite the weather disruptions, the team showcased glimpses of strong form and cohesion.
As per the League 2 format, only the top four teams will move ahead to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 Qualifier. There, they will join six other teams from the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings and the Qualifier Play-off, making every fixture in this cycle critical.
Netherlands squad: Scott Edwards (c), Shariz Ahmad, Noah Croes, Aryan Dutt, Viv Kingma, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Bas de Leede, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Paul van Meekeren, Roelof van der Merwe, Teja Nidamanuru, Max O’Dowd, Vikram Singh
