The Netherlands have named their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series in Canada next month. The series involves three teams: the Netherlands, Canada, and the USA.
The top four sides in the League 2 standings at the end of the cycle qualify for the 2027 World Cup Qualifier, to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The Netherlands currently sit fourth in those standings.
Strong Core Retained After T20 World Cup Campaign
Head coach Ryan Cook has largely kept faith with the players who represented the Netherlands at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. Captain Scott Edwards will once again lead the side, bringing his experience and sharp wicketkeeping skills to the group.
Bas de Leede, the star all-rounder who has been central to Dutch cricket’s rise in recent years, is named in the squad alongside hard-hitting opener Max O’Dowd. Veteran spinner Roelof Van Der Merwe also returns, adding proven international experience to the bowling unit.
The consistency in selection is indicative of a clear plan by the coaching staff: capitalise on the momentum from the T20 World Cup and take that confidence into the 50-over format, where the stakes are now significantly greater.
Sebastian Braat Gets His Chance After Domestic Form
One of the more notable inclusions is Sebastian Braat, who earns a recall to the international setup after a gap of nearly five years. Braat last played for the Netherlands in 2021, but his performances in the domestic Topklasse competition this season have been strong enough to earn him another look at this level.
Cook was open about his reasons for bringing Braat back into the fold. “There have been some very encouraging performances in the Topklasse season so far and this is a great opportunity for this squad to showcase the improvements and skills which have developed since the previous WCL tournament,” the head coach said.
Braat’s recall is a signal that the Netherlands are not just relying on established names. There is an appetite within the setup to bring in players who are genuinely performing, regardless of how long they have been away from the international stage.
All Eyes On Ontario As Netherlands Begin June 8
All matches in the tri-series will be played at Maple Leaf CC King City in Ontario, Canada. The Netherlands open their campaign against the USA on June 8, before facing the host nation Canada later in the tournament.
Cook acknowledged the broader picture heading into this series. “It’s exciting to introduce some hard working talent into the group and build off the experience from those involved in the T20 World Cup earlier this year,” he said.
For the Netherlands, the path to the 2027 World Cup runs directly through performances like this one. Holding onto that fourth-place position in the League 2 standings is the immediate target, and this squad has the experience and the hunger to do exactly that.
Full Squad
Scott Edwards (c), Sebastian Braat, Noah Croes, Cedric de Lange, Bas de Leede, Daniel Doram, Aryan Dutt, Oli Elenbaas, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O’Dowd, Alex Roy, Vikram Singh, Roelof Van Der Merwe
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