The Netherlands reconvene as a squad and are set to play their first set of competitive games since 3 September 2025 when their tour to Bangladesh concluded early due to the third game being washed out, prior to this they secured the top spot in the European Regional Qualifiers pipping Scotland, Italy and Jersey to the top spot.

The Dutch enter this edition after a disappointing run in the 2024 World Cup which saw them register a singular win against Nepal, yet to underestimate the Dutch is a grave mistake known to have lasting consequences.

Netherlands have a history of punching above their weight, their very first game in this competition was when they usurped England at their home ground and now they find themselves in a situation in Group A stuck between one of the biggest rivalries cricket has to offer in India and Pakistan, if the Netherlands can play like we have seen them play in the past they can spoil the party for over a billion fans. South Africa have also experienced defeat at the hands of the Dutch in 2022 edition, and there was an encore in the following year in the ODI format too.

With Pakistan likely to follow their government's decision to boycott their fixture against India, which will be counted a forfeiture, Netherlands, USA and Namibia have more than a real chance to progress into the SUPER 8s.

Each team plays four games in the tournament and every result matters, the oranje are presented with the opportunity to silence over a billion people as they look to make waves in world cricket once again.

Recent Form

N/R L L W W

Previous T20 World Cup Performances

• 2007 – Did not qualify

• 2009 – Group stage

• 2010 – Did not qualify

• 2012 – Did not qualify

• 2014 – Super 10

• 2016 – Group stage

• 2021 – Group Stage

• 2022 – Super 12s

• 2024 – Group stage

This will be Netherlands 7th appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, joint most by an associate nation. 

• Beat England in their first match in 2009 edition

• Beat England in the 2014 edition

• Beat South Africa in the 2022 edition

Stars to Watch

Max O’Dowd - The explosive opener is the highest scorer in Dutch T20I history, he topped the charts in the European regional qualifier and will look to continue to set the tone for every innings. 

Bas De Leede - The all-rounder has shone with the ball in ICC competitions, taking 13 wickets in the 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup, a feat which elevated him to become the ICC Associate Player of the Year in 2023.

Logan van Beek - The veteran has shown promising signs after arriving in Sri Lanka, already picking up player of the match in a warm up game against Zimbabwe where he scored 40 runs, took three wickets and topped it off with two catches in a true three dimensional performance.

Group Fixtures

• vs Pakistan, Colombo February – 7

• vs Namibia, New Delhi February – 10

• vs USA, Chennai February – 13

• vs India, Ahmedabad February – 18

Best XI

1. Michael Levitt

2. Max O’Dowd

3. Bas de Leede

4. Colin Ackermann

5. Scott Edwards (capt, wk)

6. Zach Lion-Cachet

7. Logan van Beek

8. Noah Croes

9. Roelof van Der Merwe

10.  Aryan Dutt

11. Paul van Meekeren