For all the success the Dutch have enjoyed thus far - a considerable improvement on 2021, when they lost each of their first-round matches and were on a very early flight home - they will still be glancing over their shoulders on Thursday.
Played two, won two, and yet the Netherlands' fate at this World Cup is far from secure.
The Dutch have enjoyed a relatively serene tournament thus far, with well-judged chases against the UAE and Namibia, and they top the Group A standings going into the preliminary round showdown with Sri Lanka at Geelong.
But for all the success they have enjoyed thus far - a considerable improvement on 2021, when they lost each of their first-round matches and were on a very early flight home - they will still be glancing over their shoulders on Thursday.
The marginal nature of the Netherlands' two victories thus far (by three wickets with a ball remaining, and by five wickets with three remaining) have combined to deliver a modest net run rate below 0.2.
In contrast, Sri Lanka's demolition job of the UAE on Tuesday means that, despite defeat by Namibia, they sit on 0.6, while Namibia's is double that.
Netherlands still have their destiny in their own hands: win, and they are through. But with Namibia facing the Emiratis - the weakest team in the group - and with a galvanised Sri Lanka blocking their path to the Super 12s, the journey could be turbulent.
The Netherlands top Group A going into the last round of games [AFP via Getty Images]
"I think everyone knows that there's pressure games in these tournaments, and just to get to this point in the World Cup qualifiers you often have these types of games, as well," head coach Ryan Cook said ahead of the game.
"We're fully prepared for these knockout-type games, and we know we've got to play against good teams in this competition who all have various threats, and we obviously prepare for those eventualities.
"In terms of meeting those challenges, the guys are in a good space to do that."
The Dutch can certainly do no worse than they managed in the most recent meeting between the countries, at last year's World Cup.
Then, they were summarily dismissed for just 44, compiled across 10 painstaking overs, as Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheef Theekshana ran riot.
THE BIG MATCHWho: Netherlands v Sri LankaWhere: GMHBA Stadium, GeelongWhen: Thursday, October 20 (3pm local time, 5am BST)Prediction: Sri Lanka
The surface at Geelong will not be quite as helpful for the Sri Lankan spinners as that in Sharjah (captain Dasun Shanaka said on Wednesday that "two or three wickets" from the spinners would be a "huge plus"), but the memories of their embarrassment 12 months ago may well still be raw for many of the Netherlands players - eight of the starting lineup against Namibia were part of that collapse.
Sri Lanka, tamed by Namibia in their opener, found the rhythm befitting of Asia Cup champions in overwhelming the UAE. Yet that massive leap forward has been met with the gut-punch of Dushmantha Chameera being ruled out of the rest of the tournament through injury.
Chameera, the fiery seamer, ripped the UAE top order apart on Tuesday and his absence, coupled with the likely omission of Pramod Madushan (who is struggling with a hamstring complaint) is a considerable problem.
Of further concern is Sri Lanka's depth with the bat - underlined by a collapse from 117 for 2 to 120 for 6 in their most recent outing.
Sri Lanka will be without Dushmantha Chameera [AFP via Getty Images]
Shanaka did not give off the whiff of a nervous man in his media engagements ahead of this crucial game, however.
"There is no pressure at all," he said. "We just need to concentrate on our own performances and what we need to do to make sure that we get into that second round after the next game.
"We know our strength. We are a far better team from the team we performed in the first game."
The Sri Lankans were caught cold, quite literally, against Namibia - "the boys are not used to," head coach Chris Silverwood said. "It's certainly not Colombo". There is no room for another false start against the Dutch.
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