Dutch team qualifies for Super Six after convincing win over Nepal
Published at 24 June, 2023The Netherlands has qualified for the second round of the World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe in Harare. In Harare it was far too strong for Nepal, who managed only 167 runs on the outstanding Dutch attack (Van Beek four wickets). Thanks in particular to Max O'Dowd (90 runs) the Dutch passed the Nepalese score with 137 balls to spare.
Logan van Beek was already close to the outside edge in the first over. In the third over he got Aasif Sheikh played on. Ryan Klein also bowled fantastically, but would remain wicketless. Bas de Leede was unlucky with balls that fell just out of reach of fielders. His colleagues did win prizes: 'giant killer' Vikram took the wicket of Bhurtel and Floyd struck with his first ball (difficult catch Shariz): 66/4/18.1.
Dutt not only bowled economically, but also got his reward with the important wicket of Nepalese talent Kushal Malla. Nidamanuru caught the mistimed lofted drive at long off (91/5). Half the opposition gone, but Airee and the young captain Rohit Paudel were still danger men. Airee fell into the elephant’s trap, a short ball from Van Beek, and the top edge went to Edwards. Vikram Singh almost choked on a sitter, but caught the ball in the second instance: 116/6/31.5.
Van Beek and Dutt bowled two of the best spells of their international careers. Unfortunately, Van Beek was originally denied his fourth wicket when Edwards uncharacteristically missed a seemingly not-too-difficult opportunity. Gulshan Jha and Sandeep Lamichhane were thus able to give the Nepalese total slightly more bearable.
Bas de Leede was rewarded in his second spell; Edwards eventually took his third and fourth catch in the 42nd over (157/9). The Dutch must have been pleased to be able to bowl Nepal out within 50 overs; 167 would always be an achievable target. Bowling figures: Van Beek 4-24 (his best ODI figures). Vikram 2-20, De Leede 2-31.
Netherlands innings
O'Dowd and Vikram provided an excellent opening partnership of 86 runs for the first wicket when Vikram, LBW for 30, was dismissed. O'Dowd, whose sweeps were very effective, had already reached his 50 by then and made a wonderful match winning 90. Assisted by Bas de Leede (41 not out), the Dutch team managed 168/3/27.1.
With this, the Netherlands reaches the Super Six. The Dutch operate as a unit and the play is characterized by a tight game plan, usually sharp fielding, intelligent batting and aggressive running. The two finalists will receive the two remaining World Cup tickets. Zimbabwe, the West Indies and Sri Lanka are the most obvious competitors.
Photo credit ICC/Getty
