The Netherlands have prepared for the “best possible England”, Dutch assistant coach Ryan van Niekerk said of their World Cup match against the demoralized defending champions. England have lost six of seven games in a disastrous title defense and play the giant Dutch in Pune on Wednesday. It is the penultimate match for both teams and the Netherlands, who stunned South Africa and Bangladesh in the tournament, still rate their opponents with respect. “England are world champions. So I think they would do what is necessary. They have prepared just as well,” Van Niekerk told reporters. “In South Africa, where I come from, there is a famous saying: never underestimate a wounded buffalo. So I think we are in a position where England are one of the best teams in the world.”
Van Niekerk added: “Regardless of how they play, they can deliver incredible performances at any time. So that’s what we’re preparing for, the best possible England.”
The Netherlands, led by Scott Edwards and coached by Ryan Cook, made an early impression in the tournament as they defeated high-flying South Africa.
But they lacked consistency and won just two games in their seven appearances, leaving them in ninth place above bottom-placed England.
Despite their World Cup campaigns coming to an end, there is still something to play for with qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy on the line.
The seven best teams of this World Cup will receive access to the tournament, where host country Pakistan will automatically qualify.
“If you look at it, when we started the tournament, I don’t think the Champions Trophy was even an option,” said Van Niekerk.
“I think the team has grown a lot in the last two years and when you come into the area you almost feel like every game means a lot, regardless of whether you’re playing for the Champions Trophy or playing to get to the semi-finals. “
England fielding coach Carl Hopkinson said the team remains inspired to perform despite only one win over Bangladesh in the tournament.
“I don’t think there’s ever a dead rubber when you play for England, to be honest. I think the boys are completely ready for it. We’ve got two games where we need to win both to qualify for the Champions Trophy .” ” he said.
Hopkinson, who played for Sussex between 2022 and 2009, said the team appeared to be buckling under the pressure.
“It’s about performing under pressure, isn’t it?” he said.
“Everyone knows that, and I think this team is known for doing that very, very well. “It’s an incredibly skilled team, it’s a very talented team, but at key moments in certain situations we didn’t perform under pressure like we normally do.”
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