World Cup 2023, NED vs SL | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

SL will play NED in Dharamsala on Saturday (AP Photo)

Enjoying the highs of their remarkable triumph against South Africa in Dharamsala, Netherlands travel to Lucknow for their ICC World Cup league-stage encounter against Sri Lanka on Saturday (October 21). 

The Dutch pulled off a World Cup upset for the ages versus the Proteas after reeling from the disappointment of their losses against Pakistan and New Zealand. 

The mood in the camp would be in stark contrast for Sri Lanka after suffering three consecutive defeats to start the competition. The inexperienced Lankan Lions lost badly to South Africa, Pakistan and Australia and are in desperate search of a victory to get on board.

NED vs SL: Team Previews

Netherlands

NED pulled off a victory for the ages vs SA (AP Photo)

Over the years, inexperience has tended to derail a spirited associated side in matches that follow a successful outing at the global stage. The Netherlands would be aware of the history and not let the triumph against the South Africans overwhelm their psyche.

The Scott Edwards-led side played street-smart cricket on a two-paced surface in Dharamshala to punch above their weights, which is a quality that shall help in abundance as they head to Lucknow on a trickier surface to take on a side that has historically dominated them with mystery spin. 

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Likely to go unchanged, the Dutch require their batting unit to produce a more collective effort and not depend on individual brilliance against a Lankan side that will unleash its incisive battery of tweakers to maximise the conditions. How their batting hold up against Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage will go a long way in determining the outcome. 

Sri Lanka

The 1996-WC Champs are yet to win in this event (AP Photo)

Sri Lanka need to declare an emergency about their entire unit. While their talented but edgy batters tend to falter when required to put up substantial scores on the board, their bowling unit fails miserably in situations where control and consistency are paramount. 

They're also reeling from injuries with regular skipper Dasun Shanaka already ruled out of the competition and pacer Matheesha Pathirana and opener Kusal Perera unlikely to feature in the match against the Netherlands. 

But they have the ground match-up completely in their favour. Lucknow offers sharp turn and uneven bounce to the spinners, which shall help their tweakers Maheesh Theekshana and Wellalage Wellalage dictate terms for the proceedings against the inexperienced Dutch side. It would be a shocker if Sri Lanka's wait for an elusive win continues after this game. 

NED vs SL: Match Details & Live Streaming

NED vs SL: Lucknow Pitch Report

A turning pitch in Lucknow for a day game awaits the Dutch in what will be the sternest test of their resolve and spirits at the World Cup so far. The track is known for becoming an increasingly difficult to bat as the match progresses, making the toss a near-decisive factor. Team winning the toss will decide to bat first, with no underlights dew available for help in this one. Sri Lanka couldn't have asked for better conditions as they stand desperate for victory. 

NED vs SL: Probable Playing XIs

Netherlands: Vikramjit Singh, Max ODowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Sybrand Engelbrecht, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka

NED vs SL: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

NED vs SL: Winner Prediction

Despite their struggles and contrasting results in their last game, Sri Lanka start off as overwhelming favourites for the clash against the Netherlands in Lucknow. The ground conditions favour them decisively with their lead tweakers set to hunt in pair. 

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