After the first match of the tour was washed out, New Zealand and the Netherlands will be hoping for better luck with the weather as this three-match ODI series gets underway. For the Dutch, in particular, this is a rare opportunity to test themselves against one of the best sides in the world. New Zealand, meanwhile, will surely be keen to give some fringe players more experience of international cricket. But who will come out on top? Read on for our full New Zealand vs Netherlands 1st ODI preview and prediction:
New Zealand vs Netherlands 1st ODI Preview and Prediction
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It has been awhile since New Zealand last played a 50-over match, though there has been plenty of one-day cricket going on at the domestic level. They were due to play three ODIs in Pakistan in September, but that series was cancelled as a result of an alleged security threat. As a result, it will be 366 days since they last played any ODI cricket when they take to the field against the Dutch. They did at least win that series, comfortably beating Bangladesh 3-0 on home turf.
The Netherlands have experienced some frustration with cancelled series as well after their tour of South Africa was abandoned due to concerns over the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. They were last in action in this format (and indeed any format) against Afghanistan in the UAE. It was a frustrating tour for the Dutch on dry spinning tracks which the batters failed to really come to grips with. The result was a 3-0 loss in which they failed to pass 200 in all three innings.
Expected Teams
Martin Guptill will almost certainly open the batting for the Black Caps. The Kiwi is a destructive batsman and will be looking to put a dent in the Dutch attack early. Michael Bracewell may partner him at the top of the order after an impressive season in domestic cricket though international stalwart Henry Nicholls is the likelier option. Will Young looks the likeliest option at number three, with Ross Taylor – set to make his final bow in international cricket – virtually a lock at number four. Captain Tom Latham will bat at five and take the gloves.
New Zealand may wish to strengthen the batting with George Worker at six ahead of Colin de Grandhomme. Kyle Jamieson will be the star man in the Kiwi attack as well as a capable number eight whilst Matt Henry also has considerable international experience. Ish Sodhi is likely to play as the sole frontline spinner, with seamers Blair Tickner and Michael Bracewell competing for the final spot in the XI. Bracewell’s superior with the bat may be enough to secure his place in the side.
The Dutch will be glad to have Max O’Dowd and Stephen Myburgh in the fold after both men missed the series against Afghanistan. They are the best openers in the Dutch squad and will surely have a vital role to play if their side are to come away with a result here. Their return will see keeper-batsman Scott Edwards return to his usual position at number three. Bas de Leede struggled for the most part against Afghanistan, but will most likely be given another chance to nail down a place in the team.
Captain Pieter Seelar will bat at five, with the 34-year-old also a more than useful spin bowler. Wrist-spinning all-rounder Michael Rippon, a familiar presence in New Zealand domestic cricket, will bat at six. Logan van Beek looks like the likeliest option at number seven, with young gun Philippe Boissevain at number eight. Seam bowlers Fred Klaasen, Ryan Klein and Brandon Glover will round out the Dutch side, with Glover’s pace offering a real point of difference in the Dutch attack.
Prediction
Even without some of their leading performers, most notably usual captain Kane Williamson and bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee, this is a strong New Zealand side. The availability of Guptill, Latham, de Grandhomme, Jamieson and Henry, in particular, is a real boost for the hosts, whilst Taylor is perhaps New Zealand’s greatest ever white-ball batter, even if he is not the force he once was. The Netherlands simply cannot match that quality.
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