If one is to pick the favorites of World T20 2024, the answer would be the usual and it is not likely to be the Netherlands. If you are a follower of the game, the teams that make up the top four teams that make the semi-finals will feature the top-ranking sides like India, and Australia along with other teams with a solid pedigree.
However, when it comes to the dark horses: those teams that no one expects to go deep into the competition but who on their day could upset a stronger team, and sometimes maybe repeat it in another game or two. This is a trickier question.
When it comes to the upcoming World T20 in the Caribbean and the United States, one team that has the potential to upset one or more teams that are stronger, and possibly make some headway into the tournament is the Netherlands.
Netherlands – No Compromise Cricket
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There is something about this Netherlands side. Having had a respectable outing in their last ICC tournament. Despite finishing at the bottom, Netherlands managed to defeat semifinalists South Africa but were overpowered by stronger opposition in all of the other games. This is a problem. For if one is to extrapolate from these statistics Netherlands can be classed as minnows.
However, this need not be the case. The Netherlands squad features an interesting combination of talent and experience. With star-quality players of the likes of Bas de Leede and Logan van Beek and with a solid show in last year’s ICC World Cup qualifiers. Where the Netherlands bested the Test-playing side and two times champions West Indies.
Thus it is to these types of performances that the Netherlands will have to direct their gaze, organize their efforts, and apply their skills. They are the type of team that, if they get things right on the day, can upset any team.
Netherlands – Lessons from Football
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If one is to speak of inspiration, one thing the Netherlands cricket team could do going into the upcoming T20 World Cup is to approach the game of cricket in the same way their counterparts in football approach theirs.
In the world of football, the Netherlands is known to play an uncompromising style of football. A style of play that comes with great risks but promises great rewards. The Netherlands, whilst not the most successful team in international football is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic. A team that could upset anyone on their day. And they often did.
When it comes to the cricketing stage, what the Dutch team lacks in terms of experience and talent, they can, and ideally should make up for it with sheer determination and a ‘never say die’ attitude, believing in their ability to upset any big team.
Upsets Could be on the Way
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Speaking of upsets, the Dutch team has just stunned one-time champions and fellow Group D competitor Sri Lanka in a warm-up match. Going up against an almost full-strength Sri Lankan side, the Dutch defeated their opponents quite convincingly. This result could bode well for the team’s confidence and may be a sign of things to come. The question is, can the Dutch keep this up? More upsets. More surprising. And if they build some sort of momentum, the tournament could be in for some surprises.
Also Read: Sri Lanka’s Chances at World T20 World Cup 2024
About the Author
Damian Thar writes on a range of topics. In addition to his professional work, he writes essays on subjects like philosophy, history, and culture. He also writes and edits books and in his free time, he makes YouTube videos on topics like religion, theology, and current events. You can find his work here.
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