Could it happen again?
The Netherlands enter this clash following the biggest ever win in their history, an incredible triumph over South Africa. To their credit, they’ve been an enormously improved side in recent years, but I doubt even they expected to take a scalp like South Africa in 2023.
Sri Lanka meanwhile, are the only nation that is yet to record a win at the Cricket World Cup, so in theory, this is the Netherlands best chance of winning again.
I think that I makes for a very, very interesting clash, and as long as the Dutch haven’t completely run out of gas after that brave performance, I think they can do it.
Both England and South Africa enter this clash following arguably their worst ever losses in the game of cricket, and both will be eager to bounce back.
A loss to New Zealand first-up is one thing, but a loss to Afghanistan is another, and England are truly battling at the 2023 Cricket World Cup. You love to see it. To be fair to their opposition, Afghanistan are not a terrible cricketing nation, particularly on subcontinent decks.
South Africa, however, have less excuses.
Their big win over Australia was immediately forgotten when they failed to go with the Netherlands, and the freefall could very well be in.
I actually cannot decide which was this one is going to go, so I am staying away from match betting.
I think that Joe Root will relish facing the South African fast bowling attack, so that’s where I’m looking.