Netherlands’ slim semi-final hopes were mathematically ended with their 160-run defeat to England in Pune on Wednesday. The margin of defeat left them bottom of the points table heading into the final round of matches and their ambitions of qualifying for the 2025 Champions Trophy with a top-eight finish will likely depend on them beating India on Sunday.
It would be a monumental result. India has won eight of eight matches, sweeping aside its opponents to secure first place in the group and a place in the semi-finals against the team that finishes fourth; The Netherlands is the only partner nation in the World Cup and appears to be losing steam after consecutive defeats.
“Playing against possibly the best team in the competition, at the top of the table, is something we are very excited about and it is another opportunity for us. Every time we step on the park, we try to show our skills.” “And do the best we can, especially being in the World Cup and surpassing the journey we’ve been on.”
Netherlands have never played a full international match at Bengaluru’s M.Chinnaswamy Stadium before and are expecting a rowdy crowd. “There’s obviously an incredible atmosphere there,” said Scott Edwards, their captain. “The guys are looking forward to it. We’ll talk about this game and what we could have done better, and then we’ll start preparing for it.”
Edwards’ analysis of Wednesday’s loss was simple: “We didn’t start well with the ball. We let them get away from us. I thought the pitchers did very well in dragging it over and over, they just got away from us in the moment.” “It ends up there to settle in probably just over par. And then, same old story with the bat.”
“When it comes to big players and taking advantage of those half chances, we definitely pride ourselves on doing that as a fielding unit,” Nidamanuru said. “We practice that too, a lot. It’s a little disappointing, but I don’t think you can put it into practice.” [the result] until that one chance. It’s also about being able to execute our bowling plans and also being disciplined.”
Nidamanuru, who finished unbeaten on 41 off 34 balls, said: “We haven’t created the ideal game yet, if I’m really honest… we are a group of cricketers growing and learning as a complete team, and we are proud.” in that. “I have no doubt that we will go back to the drawing board, discuss this game and take it forward.”
