Team Preview: Netherlands

Having topped the table in the 2019 regional qualifiers, Netherlands will be keen to defend their European crown. However, they will face stiff competition for the title this time around, with the return of Ireland, and fast improving squads from Scotland and Germany.

In the 2019 T20 World Cup global qualifiers, the Netherlands finished sixth, losing to Scotland in the play-off. Since that disappointing run, they have made several changes – recruiting a full-time coach in Shane Dietz and appointing a new skipper as well.

Team talk: Despite their 1-2 loss in their recent T20I series to Ireland, the Netherlands will be thrilled they managed to pull off a win in the last game. Heather Siegers’ side showed great spunk through the tour, challenging Ireland in every game, before putting in a convincing performance in the final game.

Aside from that preparatory series, Netherlands allrounder Esther Corder said the team have also played a few competitive games against age-group boys’ teams – something she believes will hold them in good stead.

“Additionally, Shane Dietz (head coach) coming from Australia - that’s just been a great change also. It’s the first time there’s a full-time coach for the Dutch team. So, definitely I would say that is the best prep for the team because they had the opportunity to be able to train every single day and have that full-time coach available for the team.”

Key player: With 122 runs in three matches, at an average over 40 and a strike rate close to 125, right-hand batter Miranda Veringmeier was the Netherlands’ highest run getter through their series against Ireland. The middle order batter bludgeoned three sixes and 14 fours through the course of the series, showcasing her brute power.

“Having the experience of Miranda Veringmeier is absolutely key. She performed really well during the Ireland series as well. I would expect her to step up in every single game because we need that base of being able to build around that and she has the most experience in the team, so will have to step up every single game, I reckon,” Corder admitted.

One to watch: Corder picked 19-year-old seamer Isabel van der Woning who made her international debut in the series against Ireland, as a young player who could have a big impact on the tournament. “Talking young guns, I would say Isabelle van der Woning – who has just joined the team for the Ireland series, and made her debut there – she can really surprise the batter with her pace and with that new ball and that swing. So, I think that’s absolutely something to look out for.”

“I definitely think with regards to her bowling she can definitely make that impact and turn around a game in getting those early wickets.”

Squad: Heather Siegers (c), Marloes Braat, Hannah Landheer, Babette de Leede, Caroline de Lange, Eva Lynch, Fredrique Overdijk, Robine Rijke, Juliet Post, Silver Siegers, Annemijn Thomson, Isabel van der Woning, Miranda Veringmeier, Iris Zwilling