4. Dutch courage
It may not be starting with a high-profile home series against Pakistan or England, but it will be a big moment when The Netherlands kick-off their CWC Super League campaign later this year. Provisionally, the Dutch will play three of their eight series in 2021: home versus Ireland, away versus South Africa and away versus Afghanistan.
Ryan Campbell’s side know they are realistically fighting Zimbabwe and Ireland to avoid 13th place and potential relegation. With both rivals already picking up wins, this year’s series against Ireland and Afghanistan are of particular importance to the Dutch. Any points they win in these six matches are also points lost by their rivals, which could make the difference come 2023.
The Netherlands also have a T20 World Cup to look forward to. Whilst the change of hosts from Australia to India may not suit the Dutch pace attack, their record in the subcontinent is not unfavourable. In Bangladesh in 2014, the Dutch won their first-round group ahead of Ireland and Zimbabwe, before taking a famous win over England in the 2nd round. At the 2016 event in India, the Dutch were 2nd in their group after a narrow defeat to Bangladesh. With an extra place up for grabs in the 2nd round this year, the Dutch will fancy their chances of making it through, and qualifying for the 2022 event in the process.
