The Netherlands will host Ireland in the first Twenty20 International at Rotterdam. It is going be a new beginning for both these teams after they eventually failed to get themselves the ticket for the 2019 World Cup.
Consequently, both of them will like to prove a point to the world cricket governing body International Cricket Council (ICC) that they belong at the top level.
Meanwhile, both the teams will be led by rookie skippers. Gary Wilson will lead the Ireland team after William Porterfield wants to concentrate more on the 50-overs form and Test cricket in particular.
Moreover, Ed Joyce has also called it day and he would provide his inputs to the Ireland side.
Good Opportunity for both these teams to raise the bar:
On the other hand, Netherlands will be led by Pieter Seelaar after their long-term skipper Peter Borren decided to hang his boots.
Meanwhile, Holland holds its wood on Ireland as they have won the last three matches against them. Thus, the tourists will be determined to turn the tables in their favour.
However, Ireland recent form is better than the hosts.
Ireland gave a good competition to Pakistan in their maiden Test match at home.
Thus, it would have given them a shot in the arm to take their game to the next level.
In fact, the Men in Green will play six Twenty20 International this month. Therefore, it would be a good opportunity for their players to hit the ground running.
Ireland had made their way into the Super Sixes in the World Cup Qualifiers whereas, the Netherlands were knocked out in the group stages.
However, there is no clarity on the availability of Timm van der Gugten (Glamorgan), Paul van Meekeren (Somerset), Roelof van der Merwe (Somerset) and Ryan Ten Doeschate (Essex). All these players are playing in the 2018 County Championship.
Venue: Rotterdam.
Date and Time: 12 June 2018, 8:30 PM IST.
Netherlands Playing XI: Pieter Seelaar (cap), Wesley Barresi (wk), Ben Cooper, Scott Edwards, Fred Klaassen, Bas de Leede, Shane Snater, Tobias Visee, Saqib Zulfiqar, Sikander Zulfiqar, Ryan Ten Doeschate.