Mon, 28 Feb 2011 - West Indies vs Netherlands, World Cup 2011, 13th match Group B - Preview

Preview

Group B Match

West Indies versus Netherlands

Venue: Ferozshah Kotla Ground, Delhi

Start Time: 14:30 (IST)

Among Associate Nations only Netherlands have given good account of themselves so far in the world cup, 2011. After scoring healthy 292 runs in their batting effort, Netherlands fought till the end to defend the total with winning in 49th over.

They play another to strong team in West Indies and would like to carry the confidence of good performance against England into this match well.

West Indies in their first game against South Africa which they lost comprehensively bossed the game briefly. It was during Darren Bravo-Devon Smith and Dwayne Bravo-Chanderpaul partnerships West Indies had South Africa on backfoot but collapsed familiarly to get all-out on 222 runs.

Not only Caribbean side lost the match, they received a body blow with all-rounder Dwayne Bravo ruled out of the tournament with a foot injury.

It will be up to team management and senior players to lift the team up as West Indies players, it appears, are short on confidence.

All said and done, it will be West Indies that start favourites for the Monday encounter.

West Indies

In batting West Indies have the firepower and muscle that can take attack to any bowling unit in the world.

With hard hitting Chris Gayle at the top of the order, calmness and experience of Sarwan and Chanderpaul in the middle and likes of Pollards in the lower order, batting line-up poses a threat to Netherlands.

Batsmen, however, have lacked consistency that has led to West Indies downfall.

Not only Windies will want Darren Bravo, who was sensational against Proteas playing some exquisite drives and pulls shots, to continue on his good form.

Chris Gayle would be very keen to make amends of his failure in first game by giving his team a good start.

They are cries from various quarters to promote Kieran Pollard up the order and with weaker opposition to play against that may happen.

Bowling unit is surprisingly thin on fast bowling front and Bravo’s injury has made it worse.

West Indies might be tempted to bring fast bowler Ravi Rampaul back into the playing eleven. Andrew Russell is another option for West Indies to get a look in.

Left arm spinner Suleiman Benn did well against South Africa and will be a key bowler against Netherlands as well.

Under fire skipper, Darren Sammy needs to inspire his players and he can do it only by leading front and put a good performance either with bat or bowl.

West Indies Squad: Andre Russell, Chris Gayle Darren Bravo, Darren Sammy (c) Devon Smith Devon Thomas (wk) Dwayne Bravo (withdrawn player) Kemar Roach Kieran Pollard, Kirk Edwards, Nikita Miller, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Ravi Rampaul, S Chanderpaul  and Suleiman Benn

Coach: Ottis Gibson

Netherlands

Their batting performance against English bowlers was heartening as they took attack to the England camp and looked confident in their application.

Their best play by a long distance, Ten Doeschate did his reputation no harm by scoring a terrific century and would like to make most of the form he is in. He will, as usual, be Netherlands’ mainstay in batting and would be very crucial with his bowling spell as well.

Wesley Barresi, Tom Cooper, Tom De Grooth and skipper Peter Borren all batted well to give respectability to the total and will have to repeat their performance to give West Indies some tough time.

Bowling, as most of Associate nations do, looks to lack the edge with fast bowlers not possessing penetrating pace.

It would be left-arm spin of Peter Seelar that Dutch will be banking on. He was terrific with his flight and control against England and accounted for Kevin Pieterson by beating him in flight.

Netherlands Squad:Peter Borren (Capt), Adeel Raja, Tom Cooper, Ten Doeschate, Alex Kerveeze, Eric Scwarczyncki, Tom de Grooth, Bas Zuiderent, Bernard Loots, Bradley Kruger,  Muddasir Bukhari, Peter Seeilar, Berend Westjidk, Atse Buurmen, Wesley Barreesi .

Coach: Peter Drinen