Netherlands seek CWCSL revival against formidable New Zealand

New Zealand vs Netherlands, second ODI
Seddon Park, Hamilton
2 April, 14:00 local

Netherlands failed to create an impression in the first ODI against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui on Tuesday, March 29, going down by seven wickets. The batting group couldn’t quite get going as a whole, as was the case during their 0-3 whitewash against Afghanistan in January where they’d failed to breach the 200-mark even once.

While they did manage to better that on Tuesday, thanks to some later lower-order contributions, it did little to worry the hosts’ batting line-up, who secured the chase with ease.

With two wins from eight games in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, their road to the 2023 World Cup has stiffened further, and they’d need something remarkable to upset a well-rounded New Zealand outfit to keep their qualification chances and the ongoing series alive. To achieve that, they’d seek more assurance from the likes of Stephan Myburg, Max O'Dowd and Scott Edwards in a short on experience batting line-up to set it up for the bowlers.

New Zealand, on the other hand, have little to worry, with them boasting a superior outfit despite the absence of regular skipper Kane Williamson, Trent Boult and Tim Southee among others. Young Blair Tickner’s heroics on debut and Will Young’s maiden ODI hundred were the key takeaways in their first ODI appearance after a year’s gap.

The remainder of the series presents a great opportunity for Martin Guptill to rediscover his best, having last struck an ODI hundred over three years ago. The prime attention though would be on Ross Taylor, who’d be keen on producing another of his specials in his final ODI series.

The Blackcaps are the only team to have a 100 percent win record in the Super League points table, having won each of the four games including the series opener.

Remember the last time

Netherlands came second on all fronts against the hosts in the series opener, suffering a fourth straight ODI defeat. Having opted to bat, they were reduced to 45/5 by the end of the 13th over by New Zealand’s fast-bowling trio of Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and Blair Tickner. Michael Rippon (67) and Pieter Seelar (43) made crucial contributions as they were bundled out for 202 in 49.4 overs, with Tickner finishing 4/50.

Martin Guptill’s early dismissal was the only slight blip in New Zealand’s run chase, as the task was completed rather comprehensively with seven wickets and 11.3 overs to spare. Henry Nicholls (57) and Will Young (103*) laid the foundation, with the latter hitting the winning runs to get to his maiden ODI hundred.

Tour Fixtures

Only T20I - March 25, Napier - Abandoned
1st ODI - March 29, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand won by seven wickets
2nd ODI - April 2, Hamilton
3rd ODI - April 4, Hamilton