17 September 2026
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NEWS
Bizarre ETPL conclusion; Rotterdam Dockers eliminated
Before the Belfast Wolves vs Edinburgh Rockers match, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam had the best chances for a spot in the final. Belfast beat Edinburgh and gave themselves a chance. Rotterdam Dockers therefore had to defeat Dublin Guardians to still finish in the top 3. But things turned out differently.
During the innings of the Rotterdammers, who were sent in by Dublin, everything seemed fine. South African superstars Faf du Plessis (42) and Heinrich Klaasen (85 not out) had a productive partnership. In doing so, they laid the foundation for Rotterdam Dockers' score of 188/5.
James Vince started offensively for Dublin. Saqib Zulfiqar seemed to grab a great running catch, but just hit the boundary 'toblerones'. Still in the same over, keeper Klaasen misjudged a skier. James Vince capitalized with a lightning-fast half-century off only 21 balls. For the second fifty, he took a little more time, knowing he would be key in the run chase. The Englishman claimed the very first ETPL century and, more importantly, the win for Dublin.
Anrich Nortje bowled well but finished disappointed with a 0-54 from four overs, as three catching opportunities went to the ground off his bowling. His Dockers teammates were also devastated, as after a flying start in Voorburg, Rotterdam was now denied a place in the final in Malahide.
Edinburgh Castle Rockers is the first finalist. Amsterdam and Belfast will battle it out on Saturday to see who gets to face the Scots on Sunday. Rotterdam Dockers just missed out on net run rate.