Italy surprises ill Dutch
Published at 24 February, 2023In Gibraltar Italy caused a massive surprise by beating the Dutch women who were struggling with illness. They hit the winning runs on the final delivery of the match: 98/3 - 99/3.
In particular thanks to a partnership of 81 runs for the second wicket the Netherlands made 98, including fine knocks from Sterre Kalis (50 off 29) and Iris Zwilling (31 off 22). The only blemish was that just ten runs were made of the final two overs.
Italy started briskly and was never too far behind on run rate. After the seventh over however the Dutch seemed to have the points in the bag. In the eighth Eva Lynch trapped Bartram in front. However, she was blocking the umpire’s view who could do nothing else than turn down the appeal. Bartram made the most of her second life hitting three boundaries in the same over.
Still Italy had to make 18 runs of the final over. Bartram of all people rubbed salt into Dutch wounds hitting the final delivery for six; an exciting game of cricket for the neutral fan. Caroline de Lange could hold her head up high with 1-11 off two.
On Friday the Dutch will take on Sweden and Gibraltar once again. Hopefully despite the ugly virus enough Dutch players will be fit enough to play the final versus Italy on Saturday.
https://www.ecn.cricket/series...
Photo credit: Catch of the Day
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