Photo Credit: Cricket Netherlands
On January 21, 23 and 25, the Netherlands will play three One Day Internationals against Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar. Covid rules forced players and staff to time travel to meet quarantine requirements. An interview with the men’s national team coach, Ryan Campbell.
Have you been able to prepare well for the ODIs against Afghanistan?
“It was a difficult run-up with Covid which made it tough for our training group. Some players got it and the rest did everything they could not to get it. As it unfortunately rained in Qatar for our first few training days. however, our spirits have not dampened and the players have trained very well.”
Which players do you miss?
“We are unfortunately without some of our senior players for a variety of reasons. The biggest losses are Max O’Dowd and Ben Cooper, our senior top order batsmen.”
Are there any more changes?
“Yes, we have some changes compared to South Africa. Asad Zulfiqar, Philippe Boissevain and Ryan Klein have been added to the roster.”
What are your expectations?
“Afghanistan has some of the best spin bowlers in the world. To play against them in the Middle East is a big challenge, but one that we are all looking forward to. We will give some young players opportunities because their future is very bright important for Dutch cricket.”
How do you estimate the chances of the Netherlands to qualify for the 2023 World Cup?
“I think direct qualification for the World Cup will be extremely difficult, but we will do our best. With the Super League being scrapped from 2023, we have to make the best of this year, especially if England, the West Indies and Pakistan are in the Netherlands. come to visit. It will be a great opportunity for our players to shine and also a great opportunity for the cricket crowd of the Netherlands to see the greatest players in the world in action.”
Who are your main players?
“I feel that Scott Edwards, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann and Pieter Seelaar are crucial to our batting. If they make runs, we can score high and be competitive. When bowling, I look forward to seeing Philippe Boissevain in action and Viv Kingma with the new ball.”
The game schedule:
– Friday, January 21 at 08:00 (Dutch time):
1st ODI (CWCSL) Afghanistan – Netherlands
– Sunday, January 23 at 08:00 (Dutch time):
2nd ODI (CWCSL) Afghanistan – Netherlands
– Tuesday, January 25 at 08:00 (Dutch time):
3rd ODI (CWCSL) Afghanistan – Netherlands
The squad for the CWC Super League series in Doha:
Pieter Seelaar (VOC) (Captain), Colin Ackermann (Leicestershire County CC), Scott Edwards (VOC), Brandon Glover (Northamptonshire County CC), Fred Klaassen (Kent County CC), Ryan Klein (HBS), Boris Gorlee (HCC), Clayton Floyd (HCC), Musa Nadeem Ahmad (HCC), Saqib Zulfiqar (Punjab CCR), Asad Zulfiqar (Punjab CCR), Bas de Leede (VCC), Vivian Kingma (VCC ), Aryan Dutt (VCC), Phillipe Boissevain (VCC)
Thirteen teams participate in the Super League: twelve Full Members and the Netherlands. The top 8 (including host country India) will qualify directly for the World Championship in 2023. The bottom five will play a qualifying tournament in 2023.
