Last Updated on 4 weeks by Charbel Coorey

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The winner goes through to the Super 12s. The loser will have to rely on the UAE to beat Namibia. The equation is as simple as that, so it’s all to play for on Thursday afternoon in Geelong in what has been a fascinating group.

Netherlands have been strong, particularly with the ball. They sit atop Group A, but their qualification is nowhere near guaranteed. Two tight victories means their net run rate of just +0.149 leaves them vulnerable, with defeat here likely to result in elimination as Namibia are favoured to beat UAE.

So, how will the Dutch handle the pressure? Will the two close victories hold them in good stead for what now is their toughest match of the group on paper? Can they effectively deal with Sri Lanka’s spinners in the middle overs where Scott Edwards’ team have struggled a touch in this tournament? Effectively answering these questions and more are critical to the Netherlands’ qualification hopes, against opposition whom they have been bowled out for 39 and 44 respectively in two T20I meetings.

Speaking of Sri Lanka, they did what they needed to do against UAE. Despite the poor finish with the bat, the big margin means that any victory today will seal their qualification; a welcome scenario after a poor display against Namibia. Pathum Nissanka played nicely, and the key for Sri Lanka will be for their middle order to build on any platform set by the top order.

ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2022 Group A Qualification Scenarios

SL vs NED Possible Playing XI

Dushmantha Chameera came off the field against UAE due to a calf injury. He is likely to be out of the World Cup. Also, Danushka Gunathilaka is out with a hamstring injury.

Sri Lanka: 1. Pathum Nissanka, 2. Kusal Mendis, 3. Dhananjaya de Silva, 4. Charith Asalanka, 5. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 6. Dasun Shanaka (c), 7. Wanindu Hasaranga, 8. Chamika Karunaratne, 9. Pramod Madushan. 10. Lahiru Kumara, 11. Maheesh Theekshana

Netherlands could stick with the same XI, but Timm van der Gugten was expensive against Namibia.

Netherlands: 1. Max O’Dowd, 2. Vikram Singh, 3. Bas de Leede, 4. Tom Cooper, 5. Colin Ackermann, 6. Scott Edwards (c & wk), 7. Roelof van der Merwe, 8. Tim Pringle, 9. Timm van der Gugten/Logan van Beek, 10. Fred Klaassen, 11. Paul van Meekeren

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Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sri Lanka:

• Pathum Nissanka played beautifully on this ground in UAE (74). He is Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in 2022 with 582 in 19 innings at an average of 32.33 and strike rate of 115.24.
• Dhananjaya de Silva looked in excellent touch against UAE. He scored a fluent 21-ball 33 on a slow pitch, before he was run out.
• Bhanuka Rajapaksa will be important as Sri Lanka’s middle overs’ hitter. Netherlands have been excellent at that stage in this tournament, with the cutters and spinners working well.
• Rajapaksa is striking at 135.16 in 11 innings in T20Is
• Wanindu Hasaranga took 3/9 against Netherlands last year. This included Colin Ackermann and Bas de Leede, both LBW. The legspinner has taken 23 wickets in just 13 T20Is this year, and he should enjoy bowling during the day at Geelong.
• Sri Lanka could look to play Lahiru Kumara. The pace bowler blew Netherlands away in last year’s World Cup with 3/7 at Sharjah.

Netherlands:

• What a gem of a player Bas de Leede is. He won player of the match in both of Netherlands’ matches so far (3/19 vs UAE and 2/18 & 30* vs Namibia).
• de Leede has scored the most T20I runs for Netherlands in 2022 (333, avg. 66.60, SR 117.66) and has taken the most wickets (15, avg. 9.60, econ. 5.76).
• Max O’Dowd will be looking to build on his two starts in this tournament: 35 and 23. The opener has scored the second-most runs for Netherlands in 2022 (244) at an average of 27.11 and strike rate of 119.60.
• Vikramjit Singh got Netherlands ahead against Namibia with some crucial early, quick runs. Similar will be required here. However, he has been dismissed twice by spin hitting to the legside so far in this World Cup, so Maheesh Theekshana will be sure to test him.
• Expect Colin Ackermann to play a role against Sri Lanka’s middle order left-handers. He took 1/17 vs Namibia, where he dismissed the left-handed Michael van Lingen.
• Tim Pringle will be vital against Sri Lanka’s right-handers. He has conceded just four runs per over in this World Cup (2/28 in seven overs). Seamer Fred Klaassen is also conceding just four runs per over, with the same total figures of 2/28.

Other Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head: Matches 2, Sri Lanka 2, Netherlands 0.
• Netherlands have been bowled out for 39 (2014 WC) and 44 (2021 WC) in two T20Is against Sri Lanka.
• Dasun Shanaka in T20Is this year: 19 inns, 448 runs, avg. 32.00, SR 141.77.

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Simonds Stadium Geelong Pitch Report and Weather

The pitch that was used on day one of the World Cup (Sri Lanka vs Namibia, Netherlands vs UAE) is expected to be used today. While it was not as slow as two days ago, batting first will still be key on a ground where 150+ is king. On the two occasions a team scored above 150, they won comfortably, with Netherlands the only team to successfully chase a total twice (112 and 122).

Group A will finish just before rain is expected to hit Geelong for a week. A mostly sunny day is forecast, with a top of about 19 degrees.

ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2022 Group A Qualification Scenarios

SL vs NED Dream11 Prediction Today 20 October 2022

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.

Option 1:

Option 2:

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

• Wicket-Keepers: Kusal Mendis
• Batsmen: Pathum Nissanka, Max O’Dowd
• All-Rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga, Bas de Leede
• Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana

T20 World Cup 2022 Match 9: SL vs NED Match Prediction – Who will win?

It’s all on the line. Netherlands can challenge Sri Lanka, but the Lions should emerge as winners.

Disclaimer: Links in this article are part of a sponsorship for the 2022 T20 World Cup where CricBlog has received a fee.