Dutch men put things straight with solid win over Nepal
Published at 25 February, 2024In the fourth World Cup qualifying game in Nepal, the Dutch redeemed themselves for the earlier defeat against the hosts. In the second game between the two countries, the Netherlands was superior. It bowled out Nepal for 172 runs and passed this score effortlessly.
As usual in this tournament, winning the toss meant fielding first. The first breakthrough was for Viv Kingma, who had Aasif Sheikh (17) caught (42/1/8.3). Since the Netherlands bowled strongly and kept taking wickets, Kushal Bhurtel (66) could not play his usual offensive game. He played an excellent innings, but did not get enough support from his teammates.
After 94/6 there was some resistance from the tailenders (Karan KC 26), but Dutt (3-16), Kingma (3-39) and De Leede (2-29) limited Nepal to 172 all out in 49.3 overs. Roelof van der Merwe, who was succesfully used as an opening bowler, took 1-23 in ten overs and dimissed top scorer Bhurtel with a catch off his own bowling.
Innings Netherlands
Michael Levitt showed his class after two ducks and a 50 with 39 runs off 34 balls, but played on off Airee. In any case, 61/1/8.4 was a lightning start. On 71/2/11.4, O'Dowd (cb for 28) was the second victim.
Lefthander Vikram Singh, who replaced the unfit Shariz Ahmad, and Sybrand Engelbrecht initially slowed down after the quickfire opening stand, but still reached the 100 mark in the 22nd over. Patience was the key word and singles sufficed. A solid partnership of 102 runs for the third wicket brought the Netherlands past the host nation in 37.5 overs, with Vikram (58 not out) registering a fine half-century. Engelbrecht remained not out with a classy 46.
The Netherlands has taken four points from four matches in this first round of the qualifying series for the 2027 World Cup. The second series of qualifiers will follow later this year. The series will continue until 2027.
