Photo Credit: Cricket Netherlands
The Dutch national cricket teams have had a successful 2022. Thanks to a win in the World Cricket League, the men were allowed to compete against top countries such as the West Indies, England and Pakistan, and previously against New Zealand and Afghanistan. Although these Super League matches were lost, they provided very valuable experience for the players. At the T20 World Cup in Australia, the professionals (county players) were released by their employers. That resulted in a historic eighth place, which meant direct qualification for the T20 World Cup in America and the West Indies in 2024.
Ryan Cook, national coach of the men: “2022 was an unprecedented season in Dutch cricket with historic victories for the women, European champion T10, a fourth place in the group stage of the World Cup T20 and automatic qualification for the World Cup T20 in 2024. Individual players and teams have blossomed and are now reaping the benefits around the world and I look forward to building on this momentum into the summer with the men’s national team under the leadership of Scott Edwards and with the support of all stakeholders in Dutch cricket.”
Scott Edwards, captain of the Dutch men’s team: “After a strong T20 World Cup campaign in Australia, I look forward to continuing to work with Ryan Cook and lead this squad to another fantastic year, with a focus on the ICC World Cup Qualifier. in June. The experience we have gained from competing in the ODI Super League will serve us well for a tough qualifying tournament and a great summer of cricket.”
Orange women
The women were awarded ODI status by the ICC in May. A nice reward for the efforts that a fairly stable group has been making for several years now. The KNCB immediately organized Series against Ireland and Thailand. Although the ODIs were lost, they resulted in a T20I win against strong Thailand and some very good individual performances, including half centuries for Sterre Kalis and Babette de Leede and many international wickets for Iris Zwilling, Caroline de Lange, Hannah Landheer and Silver Siegers.
Shane Deitz, Women’s National Coach: “The 2022 season was a breakthrough for the women’s team as we regained ODI status. It allows meaningful 50-over cricket to be played against higher ranked and more experienced teams. We immediately organized series against Ireland and Thailand. While the results could still be improved, the experience was immensely valuable. We are well on our way to beating higher-ranking opponents. Our focus and preparation are mainly on the European T20 World Cup Qualifier in September. It will be a tough tournament , but we will prepare well for a chance to qualify for the Global Qualifier in 2024.”
Heather Siegers, captain of the Dutch women’s team: “With a young selection, led by our national coach Shane Deitz, we have been training hard on cricket and fitness for some time now. The games in 2022 have shown that we are becoming increasingly competitive. This resulted in us regaining ODI status after ten years and being included in the world rankings. In 2023 we will again have great competitions in Gibraltar, Spain and the Netherlands. We are confident that in September we have a good chance of qualifying for the Global T20 Qualifier that will be organized in 2024.”
