New Zealand, Dutch attention turns to Super League points after T20I washout
Tour Fixtures
Only T20I - March 25, Napier - Abandoned1st ODI - March 29, Mount Maunganui
2nd ODI - April 2, Hamilton
3rd ODI - April 4, Hamilton
>Watch every match live and FREE on ICC.tv***** (in select regions)*
Overview
The Netherlands take on New Zealand for the first time in ODI action since 1996, with the teams needing to pick up valuable points on the way to 2023 Cricket World Cup qualification. New Zealand are wedged in 12th having only played three matches in the cycle, and the Dutch sit in last having won just two matches across three series.
The homestand is a swan song for veteran Ross Taylor, who bows out from international cricket after the series.
It's been a long wait for New Zealand in the ODI format, having last played all the way back in March 2021, sweeping Bangladesh at home. In spite of a number of stars unavailable for selection, New Zealand boast a talented group under the leadership of Tom Latham.
All-rounder Michael Bracewell earns a maiden call-up after a prolific domestic season, joining cousin Doug in the squad. Mark Chapman misses out after testing positive for Covid-19, with George Worker, the leading run-scorer in New Zealand's domestic One Day competition, replacing the all-rounder.
While the Super League journey started rosily at home with two wins over Ireland, the Dutch campaign was curtailed by Covid in South Africa, and a further headache in Qatar, where they lost all three matches against Afghanistan.
Batting has been the Achilles Heel for Pieter Seelaar's side, struggling for runs at the top of the order - the same frailties shown in their ICC Men's T20 World Cup campaign.
In a boost for the Dutch, New Zealand-based Michael Rippon is available for selection, with Logan van Beek and Max O'Dowd other members of the squad with extensive experience in New Zealand.
Remember the last time
The Netherlands' only experience on New Zealand soil in One Day cricket comes in the form of the 2014 Qualifier for the 2015 Cricket World Cup. The Netherlands fell short of booking tickets to the tournament proper, winning one and losing one of the recognised One Day Internationals during the competition.
