Dutch Lions U19 qualify for semi-finals after big win over France
Published at 28 July, 2024In the final group stage match of the European Division 2 CWC Qualifier, the Netherlands beat France by 198 runs. After three big wins the team qualified convincingly as number 1 in Group B for the semi-finals on Sunday versus Italy, which fell seven runs short of beating Denmark and by doing so ended as number 2 in Group A.
With the reassurance of two wins earlier in the week, the men in orange could only theoretically miss out on the semi-finals. Winning the toss offered the opportunity to test the batting depth, so the choice to bat first was logical.
After 70 for 3 after 18.2 overs, Teun Kloppenburg and Aaditt Jain entered the scene and showed the depth of the Dutch batting line-up. With a partnership of 191 they brought the score to 261 after 43.5 overs, before Teun Kloppenburg was unluckily run out with 77 runs. Aaditt Jain continued with Mark Wolfe and was caught on the boundary only nine balls before the close of the innings, scoring 110 runs, the first Dutch centurion this tournament. The French poor fielding was exemplified by an overthrow off the last ball, allowing the Dutch to pass the 300 mark by two runs.
It seemed unlikely that the French -who had only been training together a couple of times in preparation for the tournament - would be able to make 300 runs. Only the fifth wicket stand looked pretty good (37 runs, with a number of impressive sixes), but on 104 the French were all out. Pick of the bowlers was Alejo Nota with four wickets for only 18 runs in six overs.
The semi-final that will be played on Sunday versus Italy is the most important match of the tournament. A win means direct qualification for the Division 1 tournament next year, a loss will give another opportunity in the 3rd/4th place final on Tuesday, as three teams will move up from Division 2.
