Rotterdam Dockers will look to put together another strong performance when they face Belfast Wolves in Match 22 of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) 2026. The contest is scheduled to be played on September 12, with both sides possessing several established international names.
Rotterdam have plenty of experience in their ranks, led by former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis. Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje, Logan van Beek and Roelof van der Merwe further strengthen a side that has a healthy balance between power-hitting and bowling options. Faf and Klaasen are also among the franchise’s co-owners and are set to play in the tournament.
The Dockers’ most recent combination provides a strong indication of the XI they could field against Glenn Maxwell’s Belfast Wolves.
Here is the predicted Rotterdam Dockers predicted playing XI against Belfast Wolves:
1. Michael Levitt
Michael Levitt is likely to continue opening the innings for Rotterdam. The Netherlands batter is an aggressive player who can take advantage of the Powerplay and put the opposition attack under immediate pressure. His ability to score quickly makes him an important partner for Faf du Plessis.
2. Faf du Plessis (C)
Faf du Plessis should retain his place at the top of the order and lead the side. The experienced South African remains one of the most reliable T20 batters in the line-up. His ability to combine calculated strokeplay with explosive hitting makes him a crucial player against Belfast’s experienced bowling attack.
Faf’s leadership will also be important in a contest featuring several international stars on both sides.
3. Vikramjit Singh
Vikramjit Singh is expected to occupy the No. 3 position. The Netherlands international can provide attacking intent while also giving the Dockers a left-handed option in the top order. If Rotterdam lose an early wicket, his ability to rebuild and accelerate could prove valuable.
4. Ben McDermott
Ben McDermott is likely to bat in the middle order. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter brings considerable T20 experience and is capable of clearing the boundaries against pace. His presence gives Rotterdam another aggressive option before the death overs.
McDermott could be particularly important if the Dockers are looking to maintain a high scoring rate after the Powerplay.
5. Heinrich Klaasen (WK)
Heinrich Klaasen is arguably one of the biggest match-winners in Rotterdam’s XI. The South African wicketkeeper-batter has established himself as one of the most destructive players against spin in T20 cricket.
Klaasen’s ability to attack from the middle overs makes him a major threat to Belfast captain Glenn Maxwell and his bowling options. If he remains at the crease until the final five overs, Rotterdam could finish with a substantial total.
6. Ben Manenti
Ben Manenti should provide the Dockers with additional all-round depth. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Faf greater flexibility when managing the XI.
With several explosive batters around him, Manenti’s primary role could be to keep the scoreboard moving and provide control with the ball when required.
7. David Wiese
David Wiese is expected to feature as the team’s seam-bowling all-rounder. The experienced T20 campaigner can provide useful runs in the lower middle order and bowl important overs.
Wiese’s versatility could become particularly valuable against a Belfast line-up containing the likes of Paul Stirling, Devon Conway, David Miller and Glenn Maxwell.
8. Logan van Beek
Logan van Beek should retain his place as another genuine all-round option. The Netherlands international can contribute with both disciplines and has plenty of experience in T20 cricket.
His ability to bowl hard lengths and provide lower-order hitting makes him an important part of Rotterdam’s overall balance.
9. Roelof van der Merwe
Veteran left-arm spinner Roelof van der Merwe could be Rotterdam’s primary spin option. His experience in T20 cricket across different leagues makes him a valuable middle-overs bowler.
Against a Belfast batting line-up featuring several left-handers, his ability to vary his pace and angles could be especially useful.
10. Anrich Nortje
Anrich Nortje is expected to lead the pace attack. The South African fast bowler brings genuine speed and can trouble batters with short-pitched deliveries as well as yorkers.
His contest against Belfast’s aggressive top order could have a major influence on the match. Nortje’s ability to pick up wickets during the Powerplay or death overs gives Faf a proven strike bowler.
11. Jai Moondra
Jai Moondra is likely to complete the XI. He can provide another bowling option and help maintain the balance of the attack. His inclusion also allows Rotterdam to field a combination with enough bowling resources to cover all phases of the innings.
Rotterdam Dockers Predicted Playing XI
Michael Levitt, Faf du Plessis (C), Vikramjit Singh, Ben McDermott, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Ben Manenti, David Wiese, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Anrich Nortje, Jai Moondra
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.