Spectacular ETPL kick-off, victory for Rotterdam

VCC and the ETPL organisation had transformed Sportpark Westvliet into a cricket stadium with many cameras, large screens and scoreboards, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Rotterdam Dockers won the toss and chose to bowl first. Amsterdam Flames got off to a flying start thanks to Max O’Dowd (25). However, after a majestic innings by Bas de Leede (75 off 53 balls with 7x4 and 2x6), there were no more high scores and the scoreboard stopped at 157/8. Nortje, Wiese, and Van der Merwe each took two wickets.

With the score at 22/3 and Heinrich Klaasen back in the dressing room for a duck – a fine catch by Edwards – the Amsterdam Flames could still hope for an upset. But then Faf du Plessis came in. The now 42-year-old South African, former captain of South Africa, looks fitter than ever before and showed his world-class talent. He has plenty of time and toys with the bowling. Despite many bowling changes and the fall of Ben Manenti’s wicket, Du Plessis steadfastly headed for victory with a fabulous 83 not out. In the Amsterdam offense, Kyle Klein – yet another Dutch international – excelled with three wickets.

The very first ETPL match ever was therefore a Dutch first. Although the organisers were still nervous about ticket sales the day before, that nervousness proved unfounded on match day. The organisation was flawless, and the more than 1,000 spectators enjoyed a fantastic match of a very high standard.

ETPL matches can still be watched live through September 6. Tickets via etplofficial.com.