ICC World Cup, Australia vs Netherlands: Decoding the player battles
Australia will look to continue their winning momentum when they face Netherlands in match 24 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 25. After a slow start, the Aussies will look to amass as many wins as possible to reach the semis. However, the Dutch will not make things easy for them. Hence, the match will be decided on key player battles.
David Warner vs Logan van Beek
David Warner has been Australia's most in-form batter in the ongoing event. However, he will have to be wary of Logan van Beek's knack for picking up crucial wickets. Warner is Australia's leading run-scorer in ODIs this year with 618 runs. Meanwhile, Van Beek has claimed 16 wickets this year. The veteran pacer has scalped four wickets in three matches in the ongoing event.
Mitchell Marsh vs Aryan Dutt
Mitchell Marsh can take the game away from any opposition if he manages to stay on the crease for long. The dasher slammed a fine century against Pakistan and will look to score more. He may have to tackle Aryan Dutt in the powerplay overs. The Dutch offspinner has claimed 15 ODI wickets this year while Marsh has amassed 597 runs.
Scott Edwards vs Adam Zampa
Scott Edwards has been a standout player for the Netherlands this year. Australia may unleash Adam Zampa when the former comes out to bat. Zampa has claimed 24 wickets this year while scalping nine wickets in the ongoing tournament. Edwards has an ODI strike rate of 100.93 against spin while falling to them 13 times in 35 innings.
Bas de Leede vs Mitchell Starc
Bas de Leede is a vital cog for the Netherlands as he is extremely productive with his all-round skills. He may have to tackle Mitchell Starc with the new ball, which can be a challenge. Starc has claimed 55 wickets in the ODI World Cup while scalping 15 ODI wickets this year. Meanwhile, De Leede has amassed 378 runs in 2023 at 37.80.
A look at the head-to-head record
These two teams have met each other only twice in the ODI format, and both times, Australia have prevailed over the Dutch. Unsurprisingly, both matches were in the ICC Cricket World Cup. The last time they met was back in the 2007 ODI World Cup where the Aussies registered a 229-run victory in Basseterre. That match saw Brad Hodge slam a century.
