Disappointing start for Dutch in T20 World Cup
Published at 18 October, 2021The Netherlands didn't start the ICC T20 World Cup well. In Abu Dhabi, the Orange totaled only 106 runs, due to an unprecedented collapse. Ireland passed this total without any problems in 15.1 overs.
Captain Pieter Seelaar won the toss and elected to bat. The Abu Dhabi pitch is considered the best in the United Arab Emirates.
A misunderstanding in the first over between openers Max O'Dowd and Ben Cooper gave Ireland a dream start: Cooper run out for 0. Bas de Leede wanted to follow up a great straight drive with a ramp shot, but Little's full toss uprooted his leg stump. A recovery seemed to be appearing with O'Dowd and Ackermann, but when the latter had his hit caught behind the wicket, a disaster ensued: four wickets in a row for Curtis Campher with Ten Doeschate, Edwards and Van der Merwe as the other three victims. The Netherlands were 51 for six and had their backs against the wall. Thanks to a sublime 51 from O'Dowd and 21 from captain Seelaar, the Orange stumbled to 106 all out.
Although the Netherlands did not give in easily, defending this low score proved impossible. Seamers Klaassen, Van Beek and Glover were on a roll, but the Irish racked up the points they needed, led by the very experienced Paul Stirling and Gareth Delany.
The next game of the Netherlands is next Wednesday at 12:00 (CET) against Namibia.
Check out the match highlights below
Credit header photo: ICC
