Afghanistan v Netherlands World Cup Tips: Dutch can go close

• Dutch can trade favourites

• Lucknow pitch bowler-friendly

• Three man of the match picks

Afghanistan v Netherlands
Friday 3 November, 08:30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Afghanistan v Netherlands World Cup team news

Afghanistan's bid for a semi-final spot has been boosted after New Zealand's heavy defeat by South Africa. They need to keep winning themselves, though. They may go for three spinners again with Noor Ahmed coming back in for Naveen-ul-Haq.

Possible XI: Gurbaz, Zadran, Rahmat, Hashmattulah, Omarzai, Alikhil, Nabi, Rashid, Mujeeb, Farooqi, Naveen/Noor

Netherlands have moved on from Teja Nidmanuru and given Wesley Barresi a run in the side as a batter. They'll also be keen to get Roelof van der Merwe available again as a spin option. He missed the success over Sri Lanka. Shariz Ahmad wasn't really trusted in his absence.

Possible XI: Singh, O'Dowd, Barresi, Ackerman, Engelbrecht, Edwards, van Beek, van der Merwe, Dutt, van Meekeren

Afghanistan v Netherlands World Cup pitch report

The Lucknow surface could be slow and take spin, perfect for Afghanistan. It's getting tougher for batters; there have been scores of 209, 262 and 229 in first-innings since South Africa's 311 against Australia. But both sides can be mean with the ball and this one is for unders with lays of 250 and 260 good starting points.

Afghanistan v Netherlands World Cup match odds

Afghanistan are short for this one at 1.384/11. Too short? One suspects so with Netherlands having appeal at the very least for a trade to favourite status from 3.55.

It is true that the Dutch were well-beaten 3-0 in a ODI series in Doha last year and they struggled against the spin of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman.

But they have tremendous fight and have consistently fought back from treacherous positions. Afghanistan are in the semi-final mix because they've beaten sides without fight or gumption. This is a tough test.

Afghanistan v Netherlands World Cup player bets

Sybrand Engelbrecht is a solid performer and the 17/29.50 that he top scores for the Dutch is a rick based on ability and the fact he could bat as high as No 4 or 5. For the Afghans Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a win-rate selection thanks to a chunky boost to 4/15.00.

We have to consider prices on man of the match for that Afghanistan spin threat with Rashid 8/19.00, Mujeeb 16/117.00 and Noor the same price.