The Netherlands fast bowlers played a major role in qualifying the team for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia, and coach Ryan Campbell is also assisting them in the main event.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands won eight out of nine games in the T20 World Cup qualifiers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi last year, making them one of six teams that qualified for Australia. They defeated PNG in the final of the tournament to defend their title.
Her bowling attack, led by captain and spinner on her left arm, Pieter Seelaar, was central to her success. Three of their bowlers were among the seven best wicket-takers in the tournament. Seelaar connected with left-wing spinner Roelof van der Merwe, while the speed quartet by Fred Klaassen, Paul van Meekeren, Brandon Glover, and Timm van der Gugten was relentless, even though another pacemaker, Shane Santner, was waiting on the sidelines.
In an interview with ICC, coach Campbell greeted his bowlers, especially the Pacers, for keeping the pressure on the batsmen constant during this tournament. “When choosing a squad … we felt that the strength of Dutch cricket was our fast bowling brigade, and I wanted to take them all with us! We have a big long list!” he explained. “We decided to go to Dubai five times.
“Some questioned it. But we felt this real pace on gates that weren’t 100% real would be a handful if the conditions were right. We built our team around fast bowlers. We played four at a time in some games, which is unknown on the subcontinent, but something we really believed in and that was the difference between us, not just winning qualifying, but winning the entire competition. “
In Australia, the Netherlands, along with Bangladesh, Namibia and Scotland, were drawn in a “really tough” Group B, the games of which are to be played in Hobart. Campbell hopes conditions will fit his pacemakers again, enough to “unsettle a few Bangladeshi players”. According to him, the pressure will be on Bangladesh.
“People will assume that Bangladesh can push employees aside and go forward, but I really think the pressure will be on Bangladesh,” he said. “The nice thing about Associate Cricket is that we continue to play every game under extreme pressure. If you have a bad tournament, it can cost you a living and your entire program. The full members don’t have to go through this.” I think Scotland, Namibia, we will take it to Bangladesh and put it under pressure. “
The Netherlands have set themselves the goal of being among the top two in the group, confirming their progress in the next phase of the tournament, the Super 12. The best teams are waiting for them. Their preparation has been hard hit by the pandemic, which canceled all summer games, but they are trying to keep track of their fitness routines.
“We will do everything we can to ensure that we are ready for the World Cup,” said Campbell. “Of course, the World Cup is so important for every country in general, but especially for associated countries. This is our chance to be on the big stage.”
“There is an additional incentive this year if we make it into the top 12 it will guarantee our entry into the next World Cup in India. We see ourselves and this Dutch cricket program as very important for the next generation of Dutch players.” It is very important for us to qualify for the World Cup. Performing well in the Super League is of course equally important.
“It was a setback for everyone, but hopefully everyone stays safe and safety where it is most important, but we’ll be ready to go in October.”
