Sri Lanka vs Netherlands Super 6 Final Match July 9, 2023 ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2023

The Sri Lanka vs Netherlands super 6 Final Match in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2023 on July 9, 2023, is expected to be an intense battle between these two cricketing nations. Both teams have shown their prowess throughout the tournament and have reached the final stage with sheer determination and skill.

Sri Lanka, known for their explosive batting lineup and strong bowling attack, will enter the match as the favorites. However, the Netherlands, with their disciplined bowling and resilient batting performance, cannot be underestimated. The prediction for this match is a tight contest with Sri Lanka having a slight edge over the Netherlands. However, cricket being a game of uncertainties, the Netherlands might surprise everyone with their exceptional performance as they face SL vying for the chance to play in the main ICC event in India. Fans around the world eagerly await this clash of the titans as both teams fight tooth and nail for the coveted spot in the ICC World Cup 2023. 

Head-to-Head Record

In the ODIs, these two cricketing teams have faced each other 3 times. Sri Lanka having all 3 matches won. To give you a background of how these two teams secured their sport in this final round, here is a team preview of both.

Netherlands vs Scotland (July 6, 2023)

Despite lacking many players and being an associate team, the Netherlands defied the odds to qualify for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, joining Sri Lanka by defeating Scotland by a margin large enough to surpass them in the Super Six table on net-run-rate. There was no dispute about who the hero of the hour was. Bas de Leede, a young all-rounder, confirmed his place as one of cricket’s most exciting prospects with an outstanding all-round performance. 

Sri Lanka vs West Indies (July 7, 2023)

Sri Lanka had played the most recently of these two sides, taking on the West Indies on Friday match SL vs WI, but they had already long clinched their position in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, having won six consecutive matches. Their thumping nine-wicket victory over host nation Zimbabwe sealed the deal, as they bowled out the Chevrons for 165 before chasing it down in 33.1 overs.

Pitch Report

The Bulawayo Queens Sports Club pitch is anticipated to offer a level playing field with some assistance for all. The seamers will have some lateral movement early on, while the spinners will enter the game later on. The batters must be careful at first, but they can play their shots later on. The average first innings score at this venue is 275-300, therefore both teams might decide to chase.

On Friday, the playing conditions in Bulawayo will be great for a game of cricket. Forecasts are for temperatures of about 25 degrees Celsius and 30-percent humidity.

Best Performances

The best key players we’ll name that you need to watch out for in this game will be one from each team.

Maheesh Theekshana -SL

With 16 wickets in seven matches, Theekshana has established himself as Sri Lanka’s go-to bowler at any point. He has an excellent average of approximately 13 and will be crucial for Sri Lanka in the final on Sunday. The IPL provided Theekshana with invaluable experience, which is evident here. He learned a lot and proved himself all the time under the supervision of MS Dhoni. It will be fascinating to see how he does in the final.

Bas de Leede – NED

The Dutch batting all-rounder was instrumental in his team’s World Cup qualification. He scored 123 versus Scotland in the so-called virtual semi-final and received praise from all quarters. Now, de Leede must perform at his peak once more in the crucial final versus Sri Lanka. Earlier in their Super Sixes match against them, he scored a crucial 41, but it was in vain. The all-rounder would like to make his effort count this time.

Sri Lanka vs Netherlands Super 6 Match Prediction

The Netherlands is totally on a high after qualifying for the big show in India, which is understandable. However, with their major goal already accomplished, their desire for this game may be low, albeit the same might be said for Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka have shown to be the best team throughout the qualifying, as evidenced by their win-loss record. As a result, predict Dasun Shanaka’s team to be too strong for the Netherlands in this final and to win.

Probable Playing XIs

Netherlands – Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Wesley Barresi, Bas de Leede, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Clayton Floyd, Vivian Kingma, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Saqib Zulfiqar

Sri Lanka – Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c)

Conclusion

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 concludes on Sunday, with Sri Lanka and the Netherlands competing for the privilege to be crowned winners after nearly a month of exciting action. Both teams have already secured their biggest reward, a berth in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India next October, but neither will want to end their time in Zimbabwe with a defeat.

Sri Lanka were comfortable winners in the Super Six stage just over a week ago, but the Netherlands are coming off a thrilling victory against Scotland and will be hoping that momentum can carry them to victory. Who will take the top 1 spot after this match? Watch out for the July 9 game and be in the loop of the ICC CWC 2023!