Both England and the Netherlands have defied pre-ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 expectations with them, albeit in drastically different manners. England, reigning world champions, have sunk lower than any could have imagined, given their status in world cricket and the combined talent in their squad; the Three Lions have won one of their seven games, losing six, and are dead last in the table with two games to go. Netherlands, on the other hand, have risen above the paltry presumptions experts and perhaps even their own fans levied on them. The Dutch have won two games, inclduing one against the mighty South Africa, and are a place above England in the table, still with a chance to make it to the knockouts. (Match Blog | Streaming | Preview | Full Coverage)
With two games to go in their respective campaigns, England and the Netherlands' goals from here on are significantly contrasting. When the pair meet in Pune on November 8, 2023, one will be hoping to keep their semi-final hope alive, while the other will be aiming to finish their campaign positively - only, the roles, how many would perceive it, have been reversed. Netherlands, with four points from seven, need maximum from their two games and require other teams to fail miserably to make history. England, already eliminated, are awaiting an almighty overhaul back home; it is imperative that they finish the tournament on a high.
With that in mind, here are three key battles that could define the outcome of the game:
Dawid Malan vs Bas de Leede
A rare consistent performer - after taking liberty with the word consistent - Dawid Malan's displays have been the silver lining of an otherwise miserable England campaign. Malan has opened gracefully, steadying the English ship when his teammates have failed; he has scored 286 runs in seven innings, with an average of 40 and a high score of 140. Battling Malan on Wednesday will be Netherlands' Bas de Leede. An all-rounder, De Leede has impressed far more with the ball than he has with the bat. He has 11 wickets to his name in seven with his best figure of the World Cup coming in the opening match against Pakistan (4/62).
Joe Root vs Logan van Beek
Few of the tournament's 'big' names have been as disappointing as Joe Root. Considered among the best in class in top-level cricket, Root has managed a meagre 188 runs in seven innings, with an average of 26. Finishing the tournament on the front foot will give Root the momentum he needs to shake off a disappointing campaign, but that is easier said than done, especially with the impressive Logan van Beek on the opposite end. Van Beek's ten wickets are second to only De Leede for the Netherlands, but he did bowl crucial spells against giants Australia and South Africa, the latter helping the Dutch record a massive upset.
Sybrand Engelbrecht vs Chris Woakes
Chris Woakes picked up the pace after a disastrous start to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 - much to his credit. The English bowler stepped in the spot vacated by Reece Topley, becoming his team's most prolific bowler, albeit with a mediocre record of eight wickes in six games, four of which came in one match. On the opposite end, Sybrand Engelbrecht has been signicant for the Netherlands' batting efforts, racking up 222 runs in six innings with an average score of 37 and a high score of 70. Their battle could set the tone for their respective teams' victory hopes.
