Netherlands Cricket Team: History, Milestones and Profile
Profile of the Netherlands men’s cricket team: a long Associate history, World Cup appearances, a Lord’s win over England and big upsets over South Africa.
The Netherlands is one of the oldest cricket-playing nations in continental Europe and a regular participant in global tournaments despite its Associate status. The Dutch side is known for giving more established teams uncomfortable matches, and has produced several famous upsets.
Early history
The Netherlands Cricket Association, now the KNCB, was founded in 1883, and the sport has been played in the country for well over a century. Cricket remains a minority sport compared with football, but has a dedicated club structure, with a strong presence in towns such as Amstelveen and Rotterdam.
World Cups
The team has appeared at the men’s ODI World Cup in 1996, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2023. In the 2023 edition in India they beat South Africa in Dharamsala by 38 runs and also defeated Bangladesh in Kolkata.
T20 highs and lows
In 2009, the Netherlands opened the T20 World Cup at Lord’s with a win over England by four wickets, a result that stunned the home side. In 2014 the team was dismissed for 39 by Sri Lanka in Chattogram, which was then the lowest total in T20 international history. In the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, the Netherlands beat South Africa by 13 runs in Adelaide, knocking the Proteas out of the tournament.
Structure and grounds
Domestic cricket is based around club competitions, and the national team plays its home games at venues such as the VRA Ground in Amstelveen and the Hazelaarweg ground in Rotterdam. Many Dutch players also gain experience in county cricket and in overseas leagues.
The team is also notable for including players of Dutch, South African and South Asian heritage, a reflection of the country’s varied cricket community.
This profile covers only well-established history and does not include current squads, captains, coaches, rankings or recent results.
Frequently asked questions
Which World Cups has the Netherlands played in?
The Netherlands has played in the men’s ODI World Cup in 1996, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2023.
Did the Netherlands ever beat England?
Yes. They beat England by four wickets in the opening match of the 2009 T20 World Cup at Lord’s.
Has the Netherlands beaten South Africa?
Yes, in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Adelaide and the 2023 ODI World Cup in Dharamsala.