New Zealand vs Netherlands: Black Caps Aim for Second Win as Dutch Look to Bounce Back

The beginnings of New Zealand's and the Netherlands' World Cup campaigns have been very different. As a result, they will have distinct objectives when they face off here on Monday.

On Thursday, the Black Caps defeated Jos Buttler's team by nine wickets in the opening match of the tournament against the reigning champions, England.

Kane Williamson, who serves as New Zealand's normal captain but is still working to get back to match fitness after suffering an ACL injury during the IPL earlier this year, was not present for the victory.

Since head coach Gary Stead said that Williamson is still not entirely match-fit to play against the Dutch, Tom Latham, who led the team against the Three Lions, would continue to wear the captain's hat.

"Kane's also been progressing very well — I think the fielding is still the element for him that he's just got to get a little bit higher and get a little more trust in his body," Stead said on Sunday.

While it appears unlikely that experienced pacing Tim Southee would make the team because he is recovering from a broken and dislocated thumb, fellow pacemaker Lockie Ferguson should be eligible if he passes the Sunday fitness test.

The Dutch, on the other hand, fought Pakistan valiantly on Friday before going astray. They must have understood the difficulties of playing elite cricket and the need to be alert throughout the entire game. On Monday, will they know better?

Rashid promises to assist the victims

Calcutta: Rashid Khan is motivated to contribute to helping his compatriots after the tragic earthquakes that struck Afghanistan over the weekend have left him scared.

Rashid took to X to offer his assistance as he is currently in India with the Afghanistan team during the 2017 ODI World Cup.

Rashid announced that in addition to organizing a fundraising, he would donate all of his World Cup match expenses.

"I learned about the dreadful effects of the earthquake that hit Afghanistan's western provinces (Herat, Farah, and Badghis) with tremendous regret. All of my #CWC23 match costs will be donated to aid the impacted parties. We'll be starting a fundraising effort soon to solicit donations from individuals who can help the less fortunate, Rashid wrote.

The deadly earthquake that rocked western Afghanistan has claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people.

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