Afghanistan may be the most recent addition to the list of Test-playing nations, they certainly don’t look like so. They are already into the mix amongst the teams and may well directly earn qualification into the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Much of the credit goes to their recent wins over the Netherlands and they would want to top off the series 3-0 to further increase their chances to directly get into the marquee ICC event.

This series against the Netherlands is coming to an end and both teams would want to register a win here. The third and final match of the series is to be played on 25th January 2022 at West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha.

AFG VS NL TEAM PREVIEWS

AFGHANISTAN

With two wins in two matches already, Afghanistan have undoubtedly been pretty dominant in the two matches so far. Both of their wins have come with comprehensive margins and that speaks volumes about how clinical they have been. Having said that, there still are a few things that they would want to work upon and it would be interesting to see how they fare in the final ODI.

This upcoming One Day International will be of massive importance for the Afghanistan side. They are currently well placed in the World Super League points table and a win here will take them closer to a spot in the World Cup 2023. They would then need to win three matches in their upcoming series against UAE and the way they are playing at the moment, they will certainly be fancying their chances.

While it has not been all rosy for Afghanistan, they have certainly been better than the Netherlands. In the two matches gone so far, their batting has looked a bit underpowered given that they struggled to get to 250 runs on both occasions. In Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Usman Ghani, all of their batsmen have gotten starts, but none of them has managed to make it good yet.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, on the other hand, looked in fantastic form in the last match as he single-handedly took his side to a challenging total. The primary reason that the Afghans have won both their matches convincingly is definitely their bowling. Yamin Ahmadzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, and Fareed Ahmad have all looked spectacular in the matches we have seen.

All in all, Afghanistan does have their issues, but they have managed to take care of those brilliantly. The presence of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman certainly add a unique dimension to their playing eleven and that is what their x-factor is. If they can continue to play as they have done, beating them is going to be mighty difficult in the upcoming match as well.

NETHERLANDS

The Netherlands were never the favorites to win the series before it started, but they will be disappointed by the way they have performed in the series so far. They looked a little rusty in both the matches we have seen and will really want to turn things around in the third and final match of the series.

It is not that the Netherlands have been completely outplayed by the Afghans, but there has been a pronounced gap in performances of the two sides. The Netherlands have actually done pretty well with the ball, but failure to play to their potential with the bat has cost them twice in two occasions.

On paper, the Netherlands have a pretty good side with decent experience available in the form of Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Pieter Seelar, and Fred Klaassen. However, they have been far from their best and would need to step up their game in this important match. They have the capability to turn the tide and if they are able to play to their potential, beating the Netherlands can be a very difficult task.

AFGHANISTAN VS NETHERLANDS MATCH DETAILS:

Match: Afghanistan vs Netherlands, 3rd ODI, Afghanistan vs Netherlands ODI series.
Date and Time: January 25th 2022, Tuesday, 12:30 PM IST.
Venue: West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha.

AFGHANISTAN VS NETHERLANDS PITCH REPORT

The pitch at West End Park International Cricket Stadium is a balanced track. The new ball comes nicely onto the bat and the batters can hit through the line. The surface is expected to get slower as the game progresses, assisting spinners from both sides.

AFGHANISTAN VS NETHERLANDS WEATHER FORECAST

Clear skies will greet both sides on Tuesday. The temperature in Doha is expected to hover between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius.

AFGHANISTAN VS NETHERLANDS PROBABLE XI

AFGHANISTAN

Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored a brilliant ton and was well-supported by Hashmatullah Shahidi (54) as they posted 237 on the board in the second ODI. Mujeeb-ur-Rahman picked up four wickets and Fareed Ahmad Malik chipped in with two scalps as they defended the total successfully.

NETHERLANDS

Fred Klaassen and Philippe Boissevain picked up two wickets apiece as they restricted the Afghan side to 237. Scott Edwards, opening the batting, scored 86 but the other batters failed to contribute as they were cleaned up on 189, falling short by 48 runs.

AFGHANISTAN VS NETHERLANDS MATCH PREDICTION

The Afghan side have been brilliant in the series so far, having won both games. They have bagged the series with a game to go. The Netherlands have to be at their absolute best in the final game of the series to avoid a whitewash.

Afghanistan have the winning momentum with them and we expect them to carry it forward and whitewash the Netherlands on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: AFGHANISTAN TO WIN THIS ENCOUNTER.