The Netherlands has named a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 matches, which are scheduled to take place in Namibia from March 5 to 13, 2025. The Dutch team will face the host nation, Namibia, in two One Day Internationals (ODIs) on March 7 and 13, while also taking on Canada on March 5 and 11. All these matches will be played at the Wanderers Sports Club in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.
These matches are part of the Netherlands’ ongoing efforts to qualify for the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Currently sitting in fifth place in the 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 standings with 14 points from 12 matches, the Netherlands is aiming to secure crucial victories in these upcoming fixtures. This will help improve their position and edge them closer to a spot in the global tournament.
The squad is led by Scott Edwards, who also serves as the wicketkeeper. His leadership will be key in guiding the team through this important phase of their World Cup qualification campaign. Joining Edwards in the squad are key players like all-rounder Bas de Leede, who has been a standout performer in recent matches, and fast bowlers Fred Klaassen and Paul van Meekeren, both of whom bring invaluable experience to the team.
One of the intriguing aspects of this squad is Fred Klaassen’s return to ODI cricket after nearly two years. His experience with the ball will be crucial in providing balance to the Dutch attack. Additionally, there is a debutant in the squad—Zach Lion-Cachet—who has earned his first-ever call-up to the senior team, offering an exciting opportunity for him to make an impact on the international stage.
The full Netherlands squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 matches in Namibia is as follows:
- Scott Edwards (captain & wicketkeeper)
- Colin Ackermann
- Noah Croes
- Bas de Leede
- Aryan Dutt
- Vivian Kingma
- Fred Klaassen
- Kyle Klein
- Michael Levitt
- Zach Lion-Cachet
- Teja Nidamanuru
- Max O’Dowd
- Vikramjit Singh
- Timm van der Gugten
- Paul van Meekeren
The team has been preparing rigorously for these important matches. Head coach Ryan Cook has expressed confidence in the squad’s balance, noting that it is equipped to handle the challenges posed by the conditions and opposition in Namibia. The team also underwent extensive preparation during a training camp in Cape Town in February, ensuring they are in the best possible shape to tackle the challenges ahead.
With a mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talents, the Netherlands is ready to take on the challenge in Namibia. Their performance in these upcoming matches will be crucial in their bid for World Cup qualification, and cricket fans will be closely watching their progress in the coming weeks.