The two sides are playing the bilateral series of T20I for the first time after both sides earned Twenty20I status from International Cricket Council (ICC) effective from October 1 last year.
Nine months have already passed since the status came into effect, however, Nepal has played only T20I match, which was against Hong Kong in Sri Lanka.Although, Nepal and Hong Kong were scheduled to play four T20I matches from November 19-24 last year, three out of four matches were abandoned due to downpour. Nepal faced two wickets defeats by Hong Kong the only match played between them.
However, the Netherlands is playing its first match as well as first bilateral T20I series. The Netherlands will host Nepal at the VRA Cricket Ground in Amstelveen. The second match of the bilateral series will also be played at the same venue on Wednesday. While, third and fourth matches are slated for July 2 and 3 at the Hazelaarweg Cricket Ground.
The tour has also been rated as crucial for both the sides to earn ICC T20 rankings. Any of the sides finishing with higher winning percent is likely to earn the status.
A T20I side needs to play at least eight T20I matches to be in the ranking after earning the status.
Nepal has already played four matches of T20I status including three matches of the World Twenty20 Cup held in Bangladesh last year and one against Hong Kong. Nepal has won two matches out of four.
Nepal coach Pubudu Dassanayake highlighted the importance of Netherlands tour before departure to England.
"After playing these four games, we will be in ICC ranking table. And will also be a solid opportunity to prepare for the qualifiers," said Dassanayake over Facebook
T20I Series: Preparation For ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier
The bilateral series between Nepal and the Netherlands is taken as part of preparations for the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier which is slated for July 9-26 in Ireland and Scotland.
The series is expected to be a key for selection of best XI to coach Pubudu Dassanyake for the Qualifier, since he has been experimenting during practice matches.
Coach Dassanayake has also attributed that he has been experimenting the team during practice matches in India tour last month and he has continued with the task in England as well. Nepal played four matches in India against Himachal Pradesh and four matches in England against local clubs.
Nepal will also play warm-up matches before the Qualifiers against Oman and the UAE on July 6 and 7 respectively in Ireland.
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