Match Preview: Australia vs Netherlands, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 24th Match

At the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Australia and the Netherlands will be at the centre of attention as a gripping narrative unfolds. In the bustling heart of Delhi, two teams with intertwined legacies are about to lock horns. Australia, the titans of the cricket realm, are on a quest to fortify their legacy. On the other side, the spirited Dutch, fresh from a thunderous win against South Africa, are roaring with ambition. Beyond just a game, it's a tale of past alliances and fierce rivalries, set on the grand stage of the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Venue Insights

The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is set to host the riveting encounter between Australia and the Netherlands. Historically, the stadium is renowned for producing high-scoring matches, with its rapid outfield and compact boundaries offering ample scoring opportunities for the batters. Matches at this venue highlight its high-scoring reputation, such as the 428-run duel between South Africa and Sri Lanka. However, as the game unfolds, the dry pitch conditions tend to become more favourable for spin bowlers. This dual nature of the pitch — assisting batters early on and spinners later — has led teams to often opt to bat first, aiming to exploit the batting conditions and then leverage the spin-friendly environment in the second half.

Form Guide - Australia

In their last five One Day Internationals (ODIs), Australia has recorded a mixed performance with a WWLLW record. With their intentions clear from their preparations for the match against the Netherlands, Australia aims to maintain momentum. Their recent performance has shown resilience; they were tested in games against formidable opponents like Sri Lanka and Pakistan. While history speaks of their dominance over the Dutch side in World Cups (2003 and 2007), the current squad will not be resting on past laurels. Their preparation and strategic planning, as indicated by coach Andrew McDonald, will be rigorous, considering the emerging threats from the Dutch team.

Form Guide - Netherlands

The Netherlands have struggled recently, with a record of LWLLL in their last five ODIs. However, they have shown potential by defeating a strong team like South Africa. The Dutch side has evolved with significant Australian influences, most notably their captain Scott Edwards, who has Australian roots. Their focus now is on garnering top-order runs, particularly given Australia's new-ball bowlers' recent performances. The pitch in Delhi, known for favouring batsmen, might offer them a golden opportunity to shine.

Players to Watch

Steven Smith, once the linchpin of the Australian middle order, has had a rough patch this year. His stats, which include an average of just 23.22 in ODIs this year from nine innings and three ducks, are far from what we've come to expect from him. Australia would be keen on Smith rediscovering his touch, especially with crucial matches lined up. Contrastingly, Max O'Dowd from the Netherlands has found the going tough at the top, registering only 55 runs in four innings. His struggle is evident, having faced 72 dot balls out of 95. Given the significance of this match, performances from these two could be game-changers for their respective sides.

Team Composition