T20 World Cup live results, blog

Zimbabwe meet the Netherlands at Adelaide Oval, in what will likely be the penultimate match for both sides in the T20 World Cup. Rejoin the roar for live scores and commentary by 3 p.m. (AEDT).

After a stunning victory against Pakistan earlier in the tournament, a non-result against South Africa and a heartbreaking three-point defeat against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe remained hopeful of a place in the semi-finals, but even a resounding win against the Dutch today might not be enough to sneak them past except something out of the ordinary.

The two points for a win would temporarily send Zimbabwe into second place in the group, with Pakistan having to slaughter South Africa the length of the straight and Zimbabwe to topple India before joining winners Bangladesh and India in the bottom four.

The Netherlands have nothing to celebrate after a disappointing tournament and nothing to play for but pride. It was a tough group for them with three straight defeats, despite playing good cricket throughout the tournament and a close game against Bangladesh in their Super 12 opener.

India and Pakistan beat the Dutch and strong performances to finish the event would do a lot for their confidence going forward.

Colin Ackerman impressed for the Netherlands throughout the tournament and Paul van Meekeren proved to be a good cricketer with bat and ball. However, given the quality of the Zimbabwean side, victory will be hard fought if won.

Sikander Raza looks like a quality cricketer in both disciplines, while Sean Williams, Brad Evans and Craig Irvine form the backbone of a respectable batting squad. Evans has also been impressive with the ball at times and could be crucial in putting down the Dutch middle order.

Prediction

While it would take a miracle for Zimbabwe to progress to the final, a third place in the group would be something to brag about and I expect them to play with real purpose against a team that ‘they should just gallop.

Game Information

Venue: Adelaide Oval
first ball: 3 p.m. (AEDT)
TV: Fox Cricket
Direct: Foxtel Go, Kayo Sports
Odds: Zimbabwe $1.42; Netherlands $2.90 – odds via PlayUp

Teams

Zimbabwe

Craig Ervine (c), Regis Chakabva (vc), Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Bradley Evans, Luke Jongwe, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Sean Williams

Netherlands

Scott Edwards (c), Colin Ackerman (vc), Shariz Ahmad, Logan van Beek, Tom Cooper, Brandon Glover, Timm van der Gugten, Fred Klaassen, Bas de Leede, Paul van Meekeren, Roelof van der Merwe, Stephan Myburgh, Teja Nidamanuru, Max O’Dowd, Tim Pringle, Vikram Singh

Hide preview