World Cup 2023, NED vs AFG | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Netherlands take on Afghanistan in a crucial face-off (Twitter)

At the start of the ICC World Cup 2023, hardly a few neutral spectators would've cared to watch out for the Netherlands versus Afghanistan league stage encounter at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. But with the Champions Trophy 2025 context adding spice to the contest, the low-key rubber on Friday (November 3) has picked up huge weightage and eyeballs. 

Even though they have clinched superlative wins over England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, realistically Afghanistan aren't quite ripe for the semifinals with daunting match-ups to follow against Australia and South Africa. However, a victory over the Dutchmen could help them secure a spot in the Champions Trophy for the very first time in their cricket history.

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For the Netherlands, a win is just as important to keep their CT 2025 hopes alive. With huge victories against South Africa and Bangladesh under their belt, another will keep them in the hunt for that suddenly critical eighth spot in the World Cup 2023 standings.

NED vs AFG: Team Previews 

Netherlands 

The spirited Dutchmen have performed better than expected in alien Indian conditions despite coming here on the back of minimal preparations. 

The biggest beneficiary and flagbearers for the reintroduction of the 'Super League' concept, the Netherlands made immense gains by punching as a pack together and pulling off triumphs versus two Test members. 

Another win could give them a huge moment in their cricket history as it would propel them to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan as the first associate qualifying side since 2004. 

The Dutch, who last played the tournament back in 2002 in Sri Lanka and lost their two group matches, also stand the chance to benefit from extra funding and sponsorship that a Champions Trophy spot entails. 

Afghanistan 

It's been a remarkable journey for Afghanistan at this World Cup. As much their rise at the international stage despite facing social and humanitarian obstacles warmed the hearts before, hardly ever you could associate the word clinical with the spirited Afghans. 

Afghanistan have won over England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (Twitter)

But they've stepped a notch higher with their performance and overall skill on display at this tournament despite entering it with modest preparations. When it's one, you could deem it an upset. But three? Three exceptional allround wins in six matches over oppositions significantly better resourced and prepared have raised their standards and tag as world cricket's giantkillers. 

A win against the Dutch will give them their fourth triumph and perhaps secure a place in the Champions Trophy 2025, which would be a major achievement in their fairytale journey over the past two decades. 

NED vs AFG: Match Details & Live Streaming 

NED vs AFG: Lucknow Pitch Report

If one asked the Dutch where they would least prefer to play Afghanistan at this World Cup, they would've said the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. The spin-friendly surface at the ground makes it the ideal setting for Afghans and the worst place for the Dutchmen to play. Afghanistan could be unleashing a four-pronged spin attack at the Netherlands with the intention to pull off a heavy win. The Dutch will require a great effort to keep the Afghans at bay. 

NED vs AFG: Probable Playing XIs

Netherlands: Vikramjit Singh, Max ODowd, Wesley Barresi, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Bas de Leede, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Logan van Beek, Shariz Ahmad, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

NED vs AFG: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

NED vs AFG: Winner Prediction

Of all their wins, it would be a tremendous achievement if the Dutch are able to upstage the Afghans at the Ekana Stadium of all venues, where Afghanistan's incisive and experienced spin attack could be hunting in a pack for another big win. Expect Afghanistan to come out on top.

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