ICC World Cup 2023 Match 40, ENG vs NED | Who Will Win?

Vishal Mehra

image-lonw4v9fNetherlands have punched above their weight this CWC 2023 [X.com]

Defending champions England will clash against giant killers Netherlands on Wednesday, at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium situated on the outskirts of Pune in Match 40 of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. 

The clash will witness one side, England play to regain lost pride, while the Netherlands will want to outsmart their opponents, who have had a torrid time lately.

ENG vs NED: England's pride versus Netherlands' resilience  

Led by Jos Buttler, England's World Cup 2023 campaign has been anything but a tragedy. Despite having several experienced members like Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes, Joe Root, and Buttler, the England team hasn't been able to perform as a cohesive unit and has collapsed as like a pile of cards match after match, which could finally wake up from slumber, and out-bat their foes, who have are a much lower-ranked side. 

Injury to bowlers and non-performances from Indian Premier League (IPL) regulars have hampered the Three Lions massively. The decision to leave out seasoned opener Jason Roy from their squad has also been met with backlash, adding more pressure on batters during the tournament. 

The batting is highly dependent on Edwards, Colin Ackermann, and Sybrand Engelbrecht, who have a cut above the rest, while others like Vikramjit Singh, Max O'Dowd, and Bas de Leede have underperformed, providing their opponents an advantage. 

The Dutch bowling has stood out in the competition with de Leede, Logan van Baek, Aryan Dutt, and Paul van Meekeren making seizable contributions with the ball, keeping their opponents under check, and could easily exploit England's lacklustre batting. 

Given England's rich experience, Buttler and Co. can make a strong comeback and earn back their lost pride, who are known to stand tall during crises. 

The Netherlands, on the other hand, who have toppled England in T20 World Cup 2009, will look cash on their opponent's poor mindset and form and enure they keep their hope alive in the tournament.