The two sides head into the series with the last time they played against each other, the Netherlands team shattered the Proteas' dreams of reaching the 2022 ICC men's T20 Cricket World Cup semifinals in a super 12 match.

Since then the Proteas have gone through some makeover in the backroom staff, bringing in Rob Walter to take charge of the limited-overs affairs for the South African side.

In his first assignment Walter saw his charges play out to a disappointing 1-1 series draw against West Indies in the ODI series before losing 2-1 in the T20 series just recently.

With the Netherlands next up for the Proteas, once again the Dutch team will have a say in the Proteas' World Cup affairs after the shock victory that saw the Proteas crash out of the T20 World Cup in 2022.

This time around the Dutch can withhold the Proteas from qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup after the Proteas have not as yet sealed qualification for the showpiece that is set to be held in India later this year.

From the top 8 spot in the ICC super league that sees its occupants seal an automatic qualification, there's only one spot left which can be claimed by the Proteas if they can defeat a very tricky Dutch side in the upcoming two match ODI series.

With the Netherlands also looking to spoil the party for the Proteas, should South Africa fail to win both of the two matches in the series they will participate in a qualifying tournament held in Zimbabwe to secure a place at the prestigious event. 

Amid the preparations ahead of the series, the Proteas have recalled speedsters Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje to help boost the bowling attack of the team and inspire the Proteas to victory, both Rabada and Nortje were rested for the recent three-match ODI series against the West Indies that ended 1-1. 

The return of Rabada and Nortje has also given Walter some confidence that his side will get the much needed victories.

"We have named our strongest possible squad for these games given the importance of these matches in the context of qualifying for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, we have a job to do and I am confident that, with this group of players, we can get the job done," Walter said.

Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe also added that "Cricket South Africa would like to wish Rob and his team well for the series against the Netherlands, the second match of the series will be a special occasion as it marks the annual Pink Day.

"This is an important day in the CSA calendar as it allows us to raise awareness and funds for an important cause, it's a game that everyone is looking forward to."

The matches against the Netherlands are at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Friday at 13:00 and the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday the 2nd of April at 10:00 am.