The UAE and the Netherlands meet in an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The fixture is part of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 2023-27, the long qualification pathway toward the 2027 ODI World Cup, and it comes in a six-match Dubai tri-series that also involves Oman.
Both teams have plenty to play for in the standings. The Netherlands sit higher in the table and will want to strengthen their position, while the UAE, playing at home in Dubai, will see this as a valuable chance to close the gap and build momentum in front of familiar conditions.
Match Details
| Match | UAE vs Netherlands, ICC CWC League 2 |
| Series | ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 2023-27 |
| Date | Sunday, 25 October 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM IST / 9:30 AM UAE local time |
| Venue | ICC Academy Oval 1, Dubai |
| Format | One Day International |
League 2 has produced several close contests in this cycle, and recent coverage on this site shows how tight the competition can be. Readers can also follow the Canada vs Nepal League 2 ODI preview and the Oman vs Nepal ICC CWC League Two preview for context on how other sides have approached this tournament.
Squads
UAE squad
- Rahul Chopra (captain), Aayan Khan, Adeeb Usmani (wicketkeeper), Akshdeep Nath, Aryansh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Awais Ali Khan, Basil Hameed, Junaid Siddique, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Shahdad, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Sohaib Khan, Tanish Suri (wicketkeeper)
Netherlands squad
- Bas de Leede (captain), Colin Ackermann, Shariz Ahmad, Noah Croes, Cedric de Lange, Daniel Doram, Aryan Dutt, Scott Edwards (wicketkeeper), Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O’Dowd, Timm van der Gugten, Paul van Meekeren
The UAE squad is coached by Lalchand Rajput. Captain Rahul Chopra leads a side that blends experienced campaigners such as Muhammad Waseem and Basil Hameed with younger players, while Bas de Leede leads a Netherlands squad built around a strong core of all-rounders and experienced bowlers.
Probable Playing XIs
The following line-ups are probable, not confirmed. Final XIs will depend on conditions, fitness and the balance each team wants on the day.
UAE probable XI
- Muhammad Waseem, Aryansh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Rahul Chopra (captain), Basil Hameed, Aayan Khan, Akshdeep Nath, Sohaib Khan, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Muhammad Arfan
Netherlands probable XI
- Max O’Dowd, Michael Levitt, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede (captain), Scott Edwards (wicketkeeper), Zach Lion-Cachet, Shariz Ahmad, Aryan Dutt, Timm van der Gugten, Paul van Meekeren, Fred Klaassen
For the UAE, the top order and the new-ball attack will be key, with Waseem’s experience at the top and Junaid Siddique’s pace likely to be central to their plans. For the Netherlands, O’Dowd and Edwards provide stability, while de Leede’s all-round contribution and a varied bowling attack give them balance in both innings.
Head-to-Head Record
| League 2 matches | 5 |
| UAE wins | 2 |
| Netherlands wins | 3 |
In this League 2 context, the sides have met five times, with the Netherlands winning three and the UAE winning two. That recent history suggests a competitive contest rather than a one-sided one, even though the Netherlands have the stronger overall position in the table.
The points context underlines the stakes. Before this round, the Netherlands were third in League 2 with 38 points from 32 matches, while the UAE were eighth with 19 points from 32 matches. A win for the Netherlands would help them consolidate a top-three place, while a UAE win would be a significant step in their climb up the table.
Pitch and Weather Report
The ICC Academy surface in Dubai is generally good for batting, with even bounce that allows batters to play their shots once they are set. Bowlers who hit consistent lengths can still find assistance, particularly early on and when the ball gets older, but totals here are usually built on solid top-order partnerships rather than on low-scoring scraps.
Conditions in Dubai are expected to be hot and dry, with no rain expected. Teams winning the toss may therefore weigh up whether to bat first and put runs on the board in the heat, or chase under lights with a known target, depending on how the surface has behaved in earlier matches in the tri-series.
Where to Watch and Live Streaming
- India: FanCode streaming
- Other regions: check local listings and the official League 2 streaming options for your territory
In India, the match is listed for streaming on FanCode. No TV broadcaster has been confirmed for India as of the listings checked, so viewers in India should plan to watch via streaming rather than expecting a television broadcast. Viewers elsewhere should check their local listings, as broadcast arrangements can vary by territory.
FAQs
When is the UAE vs Netherlands League 2 match?
It is on Sunday, 25 October 2026, at 11:00 AM IST, which is 9:30 AM UAE local time, at ICC Academy Oval 1, Dubai.
What tournament is this match part of?
It is part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 2023-27, which forms part of the qualification pathway for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
What is the head-to-head record in League 2?
In this League 2 context, the sides have played five matches, with the Netherlands winning three and the UAE winning two.
Who are the captains?
Rahul Chopra captains the UAE and Bas de Leede captains the Netherlands.
Where can I watch the match in India?
In India, the match is listed for streaming on FanCode. No TV broadcaster has been confirmed for India as of the listings checked.
Conclusion
The UAE vs Netherlands clash in Dubai is a meeting between a home side looking to climb the League 2 table and a Netherlands team aiming to hold its place near the top. The UAE will lean on home conditions and their experienced core, while the Netherlands will back their balanced squad and recent head-to-head edge. With points at a premium in League 2, both teams have clear reasons to push hard for a win.
For live scores and match updates, follow the UAE vs Netherlands match page on Cricbuzz.
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