Dutch Lions U18 start an important year versus Wynberg Boys School, losing by 12 runs
Published at 28 February, 2023In preparation for the World Cup Qualification tournament in August, the Dutch Lions U18 play four games this week versus strong schools in Capetown, South Africa. After a winter of indoor training, the young men came out rusty but reasonably well versus Wyberg Boys School on Sunday. The chase of 187 runs stopped after 50 overs at a score of 175.
Captain Udit Nashier won the toss and decided to field first. After a winter and a long trip, it seemed to make sense to get used to the circumstances by letting out some energy in the field first. The fastbowlers had to find their rhythm again and conceded too many extras, but at the same time booked some early successes. The real breakthrough seemed to come from the spinners, but Michail Tarentaal as no. 9 batter lifted the score successfully from 134/8 to 182/9 scoring 36 runs from only 28 balls. Wyberg ended the innings on 187, Samir Butt excelling with figures of 3 - 25 in 10.
A tough target so early in the season, and although opener Cedric de Lange (40) and captain Udit Nashier (32) managed a 61 runs 3rd wicket partnership, the Lions in the end fell 12 runs short of the target (batting 50 overs for the loss of 9 wickets).
A reasonable start, but the boys will be keen to do better later this week versus Bishops School (Tuesday 2 pm CET, 40 overs, D/N match), Somerset College (Wednesday 12 noon CET, 40 overs) and Rondebosch High School (Friday 12 noon, 50 overs).
