Netherlands remains in race for World Cup qualifier after win over Zimbabwe
Published at 01 May, 2024The Netherlands won the crucial World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe with 135-121. This still gives Orange a chance to reach the T20 World Cup. Robine Rijke made a match winning 39 not out.
The Dutch started the must-win game with two changes: Carlijn van Koolwijk came in for Eva Lynch, and Iris Zwilling opened the batting instead of Heather Siegers.
The latter change didn't work out well, because a misunderstanding in the first over led to Zwilling's run out.
Sterre Kalis and Babette de Leede (who hit three boundaries in her first over) led the Orange through the first Powerplay (29/1).
On 73 in the thirteenth over De Leede (37) was bowled and Kalis (34) was given LBW on 86.
Robine Rijke now had to accelerate. Small partnerships in the final phase and a fantastic last over of fourteen runs from Rijke (39 not out) determined the Dutch total at 135/6.
Innings Zimbabwe
30/3 after the first Powerplay was a great result from a Dutch perspective (catches by Kalis and De Leede). Caroline de Lange added a fourth wicket. At 53/4 halfway through the innings, the Netherlands was on top.
Zimbabwe had to make 52 runs in the last six overs and twenty of the last. However, Spinners Silver Siegers and Merel Dekeling kept a cool head in the tightly bowled final overs. Caroline de Lange took 1-17, Zwilling 1-19, Overdijk 1-20.
On Friday, Orange will play Ireland at 5.30 p.m. Dutch time. Even if they lose, the team could still make it to the semi-final on NRR.
Photo credit: ICC/Getty images
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