Division 2 champions: Dutch Lions win against Sweden in the final!
Published at 31 July, 2024Sweden had been the opponents in the group stages already, and were then beaten convincingly. Whether this was a reason or whether the accomplished qualification for next year’s tournament had given rise to some complacency will remain a question. The final was not the best match played by the Netherlands this week. After bowling out Sweden for 86, the team lost six wickets on their way to victory, which will give some food for thought. But in the end, everybody in Copenhagen believed that they were the deserved champions.
A lost toss meant the boys in Orange were not given a chance to put up a big total for the opponents to chase. The opening bowlers Sam van Giezen and Aaditt Jain did a proper job, containing the Swedes to less than three runs an over (Aaditt Jain ending with 1-7 in 5).
After 15 overs it was 40/3, and it seemed business as usual, especially after three quick wickets on 59. The tail showed some resistance, but when Azzam got his third wicket (ending on 3-4 in 2.5), it was all over for the Scandinavians. Shirsak Banerjee was the other bowler picking up 3 wickets (3-22 in 7), Cedric de Lange held three catches in the field.
A walk in the park, one would think, but the Swedish talents gave it their all and surprised the Dutch with some vicious bowling. Combined with some poor batting, calling and running this suddenly led to a score of 50/5 after 15 overs (Elmar Boendemaker 18).
The Swedes smelled a chance and it took the calmness of Mark Wolfe (16*) and Aaditt Jain (16) to allow Azzam Khan to hit the winning runs in the twenty-third over. Azzam also became Man of the Match, Shirsak Banerjee player of the tournament and 30 minutes after the winning runs, captain Cedric de Lange had the honour of lifting the trophy.
First and foremost the Dutch proved that the ‘relegation’ last year was a mistake, partly caused by misfortune (bad weather). The team outclassed most opponents and it was good to see the depth of the batting line-up and the wealth of (pace)bowling.
Division II did not have any opponents that could scare the Dutch Lions U19, and it was a good experience to start each game as the favourites. Most of the games were won convincingly, but coaches and players will learn from the final, where it almost slipped out of their hands.
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