SWOT Analysis: Here’s how the Dutch can make their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign memorable

One of the most promising associate nations, the Netherlands have made it to the ODI World Cup once again after a wait of 12 years since they made their last appearance in ODI World Cup 2011. The Dutch stunned everyone with their sensational performance in the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 in Zimbabwe.

Interestingly, the boys in orange will be playing the ODI World Cup 2023 in India and it was only in India when they played the ODI World Cup 2011. The team is studded with a mix of experience and the young talents in the squad.

They would definitely fancy their chances to produce some brilliant matches by giving a tough time to some of the big cricketing teams, participating in the tournament. With said that, here we’ll have a look at all the strengths and weaknesses of the Dutch side with a SWOT analysis, before the start of their campaign in the ODI World Cup 2023.

Strength – Comeback of senior players and confidence from qualifiers

The Netherlands will be going with a big positive in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 and it is the comeback of some veteran names in the squad. The list includes some experienced names, including the likes of senior pacer Paul Van Meekeren, senior batting all-rounder Colin Ackermann, and the veteran bowling all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe.

All of these three experienced stars will make a good mix with young talents like Bas de Leede, Vikramjit Singh, and a few other talented names. This is going to be one of the major strengths for the Netherlands on any given day in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023.

Weakness – Lack of experience against big teams

However, the weaknesses in batting, bowling or fielding a different stuff but the primary lack or weakness for the Netherlands is their less experience of in playing against the big teams or the full-time members. Notably, in this tournament, they’ll be taking on all the full-time members of international cricket.

So, the lack of playing experience against the big teams might cost the Dutch in some matches as it would not be that easy to tackle the big match pressure against teams like Australia, India, England, and New Zealand.

Opportunity – Nothing to lose

Apart from all the stuff, the Dutch will also have an opportunity to showcase their brilliance in the tournament by shining against the big teams and making some upsets in the tournament. It can also be said that they have nothing to lose while going into the ODI World Cup 2023, be it any number 1 position or any title of being defending champions.

So, the ‘nothing to lose approach might help Scott Edwards’ men to bring a fearless approach on the ground in the big games. The team will be looking ahead for a big upset or hope in their tournament opener against Pakistan on Friday, October 6 in Hyderabad.

Threat – Less familiar with Indian conditions

The only threat to the Netherlands is their less familiarity with the subcontinent conditions, especially in India; they played last in India during the T20 World Cup 2016. So, things may have changed a lot in the last 7 years which could make it tough for the Dutch side to settle themselves.

Other than that, they are quite used to the pitches which are a bit different from the Indian surfaces. So, it will also be one of the headaches for the Netherlands’ batters to cope with that factor.