Related Articles
The Netherlands and Nepal are set to clash in the latest fixture of the ongoing Triangular Series at Forthill, Dundee on June 4, 2025. The match begins at 3:30 PM IST and is a must-win for both teams as they battle for crucial points.
The Netherlands come into this game after a crushing 145-run defeat against Scotland, where their bowling unit took three wickets each but failed to contain the hosts’ explosive batting. Max O’Dowd remains their key batsman, while Kyle Klein continues to lead the pace attack.
Nepal, on the other hand, pulled off a thrilling last-ball win over Scotland, with Kushal Bhurtel and Karan KC playing decisive roles. Their bowling lineup has been consistent, with Sompal Kami leading the way.
With both teams having contrasting recent performances, this promises to be an intriguing contest between form and resilience.
Match Details
| Match | NED vs NEP – Triangular Series 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date & Time (IST) | Monday, June 4, 2025 – 3:30 PM |
| Venue | Forthill, Dundee |
| Toss Timing | Around 3:15 PM IST |
| Live Streaming | ESPNcricinfo / Cricket Scotland YouTube Channel |
| Pitch Report | Balanced pitch; favors both bat and ball |
| Weather Forecast | Sunny; 12–26°C; SE winds at 10–26 km/h |
Team Previews
Netherlands Preview
The Netherlands are currently second in the points table and will look to bounce back after a heavy loss to Scotland. Their batting has shown promise through Max O’Dowd, who leads the run charts with 668 runs at an average of 40, including five half-centuries. He’s flanked by Michael Levitt and Zach Lion Cachet at the top, providing steady starts.
In the middle order, Scott Edwards has been a pillar with 529 runs at 35.26, while Bas de Leede adds aggression with his 335 runs at 42. However, Teja Nidamanuru has struggled recently, scoring only 130 runs in the last six innings.
Their bowling department is led by Kyle Klein, who has taken 32 wickets at an impressive average of 15.81. Paul van Meekeren (28 wickets) and Roelof van der Merwe (17 wickets at 3.90 economy) offer control and experience. Fred Klaassen and Aryan Dutt provide depth and variations.
The Dutch have a strong record against Nepal, with two wins in their last three ODIs. With momentum from past head-to-head encounters, they enter this match as favorites.
Predicted Playing XI:
Max O’Dowd, Michael Levitt, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Zach Lion Cachet, Bas de Leede, Noah Croes, Roelof van der Merwe, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren, Teja Nidamanuru, Fred Klaassen
Nepal Preview
Nepal have had a mixed campaign in the tournament but came up with a stunning last-over victory over Scotland in their previous match. Kushal Bhurtel was the star with the bat, scoring 53 in that chase, while Karan KC contributed with both bat and ball—scoring 65 and taking two wickets.
Bhurtel averages 23.1 in 10 games, while Asif Sheikh tops the run charts with 274 runs at 27.4. Bhim Sharki struggles at number three with just 20 average, making him a weak link in the batting line-up.
The middle order relies on captain Rohit Paudel (224 runs), Aarif Sheikh (183 runs), and Gulsan Jha (208 runs). While none of them have consistently crossed 50, they have played useful knocks when needed.
Sompal Kami leads the bowling attack with 14 wickets at 5.16 economy. Sandeep Lamichhane offers spin variety with 10 wickets in 7 matches, while Karan KC and Rijan Dhakal chip in with support.
Despite their lack of consistency, Nepal showed grit in the last match. If they can replicate that intensity and get contributions across the board, they could spring a surprise.
Predicted Playing XI:
Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Bhim Sharki, Rohit Paudel (c), Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Rijan Dhakal
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Favourite Team | Why? |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | Netherlands are stronger in both departments and have a better head-to-head record against Nepal. Max O’Dowd has performed well against them recently, and their bowling unit is more balanced. While Nepal showed heart in their last game, their inconsistency and weak middle order make them underdogs here. Netherlands should capitalize on their recent form and secure a win. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player Name | Role | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max O’Dowd | Batsman | NED | Top run-getter; excellent record against Nepal |
| Asif Sheikh | Batsman | NEP | Nepal’s highest scorer; reliable opener |
| Kushal Bhurtel | Batsman | NEP | Aggressive batter; scored big in last match |
| Scott Edwards | WK-Batsman | NED | Key middle-order anchor; consistent performer |
| Bas de Leede | All-rounder | NED | Valuable lower-order runs and handy seam |
| Gulsan Jha | All-rounder | NEP | Useful with bat and part-time spin |
| Kyle Klein | Bowler | NED | Leading wicket-taker; economical and threatening |
| Sompal Kami | Bowler | NEP | Wicket-taking potential; best bowler for Nepal |
| Paul van Meekeren | Bowler | NED | Experienced seamer; good death bowler |
| Roelof van der Merwe | Bowler | NED | Skilled spinner; tight economy |
| Sandip Lamichhane | Bowler | NEP | Left-arm wrist spinner; can turn the game |
Explanation:
This fantasy XI blends the top performers from both sides. Netherlands dominate due to their superior batting and bowling options. Max O’Dowd and Kyle Klein are must-picks for high impact. On the Nepal side, Kushal Bhurtel and Sompal Kami offer high upside. Scott Edwards and Kyle Klein bring balance and consistency. Spinners like van der Merwe and Lamichhane add variety.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions:
- Captain: Max O’Dowd (NED) – In-form opener and proven performer.
- Vice-Captain: Kushal Bhurtel (NEP) – Explosive batter with match-winning ability.
Players to Avoid:
- Bhim Sharki (NEP) – Low average and inconsistent performer.
- Teja Nidamanuru (NED) – Struggling for form and impact.
Team Squads
Netherlands Squad (2025 Triangular Series):
Max O’Dowd, Michael Levitt, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Zach Lion Cachet, Bas de Leede, Noah Croes, Roelof van der Merwe, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren, Fred Klaassen, Aryan Dutt, Timm van der Gugten, Shariz Ahmad, Vivian Kingma, Logan van Beek, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Haseebullah Khan, Aadam Khalid, Vaibhav Rawal, Babar Hayat, Amir Kamal, Ryan ten Doeschate
Nepal Squad (2025 Triangular Series):
Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Bhim Sharki, Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Rijan Dhakal, Binod Bhandari, Abinash Bohara, Kushal Malla, Sushil Kandel, Raju Rijal, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi, Premjit Singh Malik, Karan KC, Bikram Sob, Shakti Gauchan, Dilip Nath
Probable Playing XI
| Netherlands | Nepal |
|---|---|
| Max O’Dowd | Kushal Bhurtel |
| Michael Levitt | Aasif Sheikh (wk) |
| Scott Edwards (c & wk) | Bhim Sharki |
| Zach Lion Cachet | Rohit Paudel (c) |
| Bas de Leede | Aarif Sheikh |
| Noah Croes | Dipendra Singh Airee |
| Roelof van der Merwe | Gulsan Jha |
| Kyle Klein | Sompal Kami |
| Paul van Meekeren | Karan KC |
| Teja Nidamanuru | Sandeep Lamichhane |
| Fred Klaassen | Rijan Dhakal |
Pitch Report
- Venue: Forthill, Dundee
- Batting Conditions: Good batting surface with even bounce; some assistance for bowlers late in the innings.
- Bowling Conditions: Pacers benefit from swing early; spinners can exploit turn later.
- Recent Scores: Average first-innings score is 218; chases have been successful in 4 of 7 ODIs.
- Second Innings: Chasing slightly easier due to dew and settled pitch.
Ideal Total: 220–240
Toss Prediction
Given that four of the seven ODIs at this venue were won by the chasing side, the toss is likely to be opted for bowling first , especially with dew expected to play a role later in the evening.
Winner Prediction
While Nepal showed fight in their last match, Netherlands remain clear favorites due to their stronger batting lineup and more experienced bowling attack. They also have a better record against Nepal in recent meetings.
Final Verdict: Netherlands to win.
CricketPandith Match Prediction Package
Per Match Charges: 1000 Rs/Match
Monthly Package: 5000 Rs/Month (Unlimited Match)
All International/League Match Prediction Available
