Nepal wins surprisingly big against the Netherlands
Published at 17 February, 2024The Dutch men's cricket team has lost the first World Cup qualifier in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu against the host country by a considerable margin. Batting first, the Netherlands only managed 137 all out in 39 overs. A surprisingly strong Nepal side surpassed that score in just 15.2 overs.
Nepal won the toss. Michael Levitt didn't have a debut to remember as he was immediately caught at third man. Max O'Dowd (run out) was the victim of a misunderstanding with Sybrand Engelbrecht.
With cautious batting, Engelbrecht (ct slip for 23) and Bas de Leede (27) made a partnership of 38 runs for the third wicket. On 97/4, there seemed to be no man overboard, but the freak run out of Noah Croes heralded a collapse. Barresi went reverse sweeping off his second ball and Aryan Dutt offered Edwards (33) support for a while, but fell into an elephant's trap when he hit a long hop into the hands of deep square leg. Kushal Bhurtel took 4-20.
Innings Nepal
Knowing the reputation of the same Bhurtel, it was not expected that he would accumulate the required 2.8 runs per over with singles. From the first ball, he attacked offspinner Dutt; 26/0/2 was the result. However, Viv Kingma had the last word when Bhurtel saw a leading edge end up in the hands of Bas de Leede (36/1).
In the fifth over, Kingma had earned a second wicket when Noah Croes failed to control a catching opportunity at the 45-degree position (with Sheikh on 19).
Nepal batted freely and successfully stuck to its offensive game plan. 76/1/7 and 100/1/10 were the painful scores for the Dutch. Spinners Shariz Ahmad and Aryan Dutt (Van der Merwe played the SA20 final) were also unable to turn the tide. Nepal got the job done in just 15.2 overs, with excellent half centuries for Sah and Sheikh.
WCL 2 offers the prospect of World Cup participation in 2027
The matches that the Dutch are currently playing in Nepal are part of the World Cricket League 2. Between 2024 and 2027, the Netherlands will play a large number of one-day matches (ODIs). The best countries will be allowed to participate in a Global Qualifier in 2027, which offers the prospect of participating in the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2027. The Netherlands has competed in this 50-over World Cup five times before, most recently in November 2023, where it defeated top nations South Africa and Bangladesh.
In addition, there will be a separate T20 World Cup in June 2024. The Dutch have qualified for this event by performing well during the most recent T20 World Cup in 2022.
