Bas de Leede to captain Netherlands in ICC World Cup League 2 vs Oman, UAE
Synopsis
Bas de Leede will lead a 15-member Netherlands side in four World Cup League 2 matches against Oman and the UAE in Dubai from 25 October — the first assignment under new head coach Ashley Noffke. With their Global Qualifier spot already locked in, the Dutch will use this tour to test combinations and blood young talent ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Key Takeaways
Bas de Leede named captain of the Netherlands for ICC World Cup League 2 fixtures against Oman and the UAE in Dubai .
The tour runs from 25 October to 2 November and involves four matches for the Netherlands.
New head coach Ashley Noffke takes charge for the first time on this tour.
The Netherlands are third in League 2 standings with 38 points from 32 matches and have already qualified for the 2027 Global Qualifier .
The USA have clinched the League 2 title with 49 points from 36 matches .
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa , Zimbabwe , and Namibia from 2 October to 21 November 2027 .
Seam-bowling all-rounder Bas de Leede will lead the Netherlands in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 fixtures against Oman and the UAE in Dubai later this month, the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) confirmed on Thursday, 15 October 2026. The tour will also mark the debut assignment of new head coach Ashley Noffke at the helm of the Dutch setup.
Schedule and Fixtures
The Netherlands will play four matches across nine days, opening against the UAE on 25 October, followed by a clash with Oman on 27 October. They face the UAE again on 31 October before concluding the tour against Oman on 2 November. The UAE and Oman will additionally meet each other on 29 October and 4 November.
World Cup Qualification Context
The 50-over League 2 serves as a key step in the qualification pathway for the 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from 2 October to 21 November 2027. The top four sides in the League 2 standings will advance to the Global Qualifier, slated for early 2027. Notably, the Netherlands have already secured their berth in that qualifying event. The USA have clinched the League 2 title, leading the table with 49 points from 36 matches, with Scotland second on 45 points from as many games. The Netherlands occupy third place with 38 points from 32 matches, while Oman are fourth on 33 points from 30 games. Namibia are fifth, level on points with Oman but having played 36 matches. The UAE sit eighth with 19 points from 32 games.
Noffke Sets the Tone
New head coach Ashley Noffke described the tour as an opportunity to establish the side's identity and integrate emerging talent. 'We are looking forward to the tournament in the UAE, where we will be focusing on our style of play, our combinations, and creating a great team dynamic that can continue to grow upon the solid platform that already exists,' Noffke said in a statement. He added: 'It will be a great tour to look at some of our young and up-and-coming talent, and give them an opportunity to showcase their skill at an international level.'
The 15-Member Squad
The Netherlands squad for the tour is: Colin Ackermann, Shariz Ahmad, Noah Croes, Cedric de Lange, Bas de Leede (captain), Daniel Doram, Aryan Dutt, Scott Edwards (wicketkeeper), Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O'Dowd, Timm van der Gugten, and Paul van Meekeren. The squad blends experienced campaigners with younger prospects Noffke is keen to assess at international level.
With their Global Qualifier place already secured, the Netherlands will use this tour primarily as a platform to bed in systems under Noffke and build depth ahead of the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Point of View
These four matches matter less for standings and more for squad-building — which is precisely why this tour is an early indicator of what Noffke's Netherlands will look like. The decision to centre the tour around 'young and up-and-coming talent' signals a long-term rebuild rather than a points chase, a pragmatic choice given the Netherlands' associate status. The real question is whether Noffke can establish a consistent playing identity — something that has eluded several Netherlands coaches before him. The road to the 2027 World Cup is long, and this Dubai leg is just the first step.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bas de Leede captaining Netherlands in the ICC World Cup League 2?
Bas de Leede, a seam-bowling all-rounder, has been named Netherlands captain by the KNCB for the upcoming ICC World Cup League 2 matches against Oman and the UAE in Dubai. The announcement was made on 15 October 2026 alongside the 15-member squad selection.
When and where will Netherlands play Oman and UAE in League 2?
The Netherlands face the UAE on 25 October and 31 October, and Oman on 27 October and 2 November, all in Dubai. The four-match tour runs from 25 October to 2 November 2026.
What is the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 and why does it matter?
The ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 is a 50-over competition forming part of the qualification pathway for the 2027 ODI World Cup, to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The top four sides in the standings advance to the Global Qualifier in early 2027.
Have the Netherlands already qualified for the 2027 ODI World Cup Global Qualifier?
Yes, the Netherlands have already secured their place in the Global Qualifier for the 2027 ODI World Cup. They currently sit third in the League 2 standings with 38 points from 32 matches.
Who is Ashley Noffke and what is his role with the Netherlands?
Ashley Noffke is the newly appointed head coach of the Netherlands cricket team. The Dubai tour against Oman and the UAE will be his first assignment in charge, and he has indicated a focus on developing young talent and establishing a clear playing style.
