Dutch women fooled by Namibia in first T20I
Published at 28 June, 2022The Netherlands womens team has narrowly lost its first T20 encounter with Namibia. The Netherlands only managed 80 all out, but were still almost able to defend that low score successfully.
Sterre Kalis opened the batting in fine style and number 4 Heather Siegers was also timing her shots well. A 24 run partnership came to and end when a straight drive from Sterre hit the wicket at the non-striker’s end after having touched the bowler’s hand.
Heather’s unfortunate run out led to more calamities. Sterre (35 including a gorgeous six over long off) was caught in the covers and after that, three Dutch batters were bowled. The Orange were unable to bat the full 20 overs. After 67/3 in the twelfth over they were bowled out for 80 after fifteen.
Namibia innings
Pretty quickly Iris Zwilling trapped Namibia opener Edelle Van Zyl in front. There were chances galore for the Dutch, but unfortunately four of them went down.
Yasmeen Khan (22) batted aggressively until a wonderful direct hit from Robine Rijke ended her knock: 38/2.
Robine again brought the score to 53/3 taking a fine catch at point; a feat that was copied by Caroline de Lange at fly slip (60/4).
A characteristic stumping by Babette de Leede off the excellent bowling of Silver Siegers (2-9) meant 66/5. The Netherlands had fought their way back into the game.
Iris Zwilling dismissed numbers six and seven with two beauties.
Namibia needed eight of the final over. After a wide and three singles, much to their disgust, the Dutch saw the penultimate ball go over the rope.
Everyone would agree that this loss was unnecessary. On the other hand the Dutch women showed resilience fighting their way back into the match twice.
