Cricket fans, the showdown between the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates is just around the corner. Whether you’re tracking the game for fun or placing a friendly bet, you’ll want the basics right now – when it starts, who’s playing, and where to watch. Let’s break it down in plain English.
The match is slated for Saturday, 23 October 2025 at the Leicester City Cricket Ground. Kick‑off is set for 10:00 AM local time, which works out to 3:30 PM GMT for most overseas viewers. The game is part of the ICC World Cup Qualifier series, so both sides have points to earn.
For the Netherlands, keep an eye on Rohit Singh, who’s been in solid form with a 45‑run average in the last five ODIs. The UAE will lean on Ahmed Rashid, whose fast bowling has taken 12 wickets in the tournament so far. Both teams also have a few all‑rounders who can swing the game in one over – watch the spin duo of Moeen Ali (NED) and Arshad Ali (UAE).
Another factor is fielding. The Dutch side has been slick in the outfield, saving crucial runs, while the Emirates squad has struggled with dropped catches in the last two matches. That could be the hidden edge.
Historically, the Netherlands have a slight edge, winning 6 of the last 10 encounters. The UAE’s biggest win came back in 2019 when they chased down 210 with five wickets in hand. Recent form, however, leans toward the Dutch – they’ve won three straight ODIs, while the UAE lost their last two.
In terms of run rates, the Netherlands average 4.9 per over, while the UAE sit at 4.5. The gap isn’t huge, but over 50 overs it adds up. Expect a competitive chase if the Dutch bat first.
Streaming is available on Hotstar for Indian viewers, while fans in the UK can catch it on BBC Sport. If you’re in the US, the match will be on ESPN cricinfo live. All platforms provide a live ticker, commentary and a simple scorecard – perfect for quick check‑ins during work.
For those who love the radio vibe, the official ICC app offers audio commentary. Turn on notifications, and you’ll get ball‑by‑ball updates straight to your phone.
The Leicester ground is known for a flat pitch that favors batsmen early on, but the last 20 overs tend to slow down, giving spinners a chance. Expect a decent total if the top order builds a partnership of 100+ runs.
Weather is clear, with a low chance of rain. That means a full 50‑over game and no surprise interruptions. The outfield is quick, so boundaries will come easy for power hitters.
Given the Dutch batting depth and better fielding, they’re slight favorites. A realistic score line could be Netherlands 260/7, UAE 245/9 – a close finish that could go down to the last over.
Of course, cricket loves a surprise. If the UAE’s seamers hit the right lengths early, they could restrict the Dutch and chase down a modest target. Keep an eye on the opening spell – that’s where the match will be decided.
So there you have it – everything you need to follow the Netherlands vs UAE clash. Grab your snacks, set your alerts, and enjoy the game!
Netherlands clinched three important wins over UAE in the ICC World Cup League Two 2025, reinforcing their World Cup qualification hopes. Sharp batting led by Bas de Leede shut out UAE, whose batters struggled for consistency. These matches hold weight in the jostle for ODI World Cup 2027 slots.