Netherlands fail to leave T20 World Cup with a win

The Dutch again had to bat first after losing the toss. Max O'Dowd was, unfortunately, unable to continue the incredible form that he showed against Ireland and Namibia and went run out. Cooper and Myburgh were bowled.
Both lefthanders fell victim to offspinner Theeksana's 'carrom ball'. With this delivery, the ball is released between the thumb and the bent middle finger.

Colin Ackermann hit a fantastic six over the top on the fast Lahiru Kumara, but had to leave the field shortly afterward, courtesy of the incomparable legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga. Flight, legspinners, topspinners, googlies… there was no holding back Hasaranga.

There wasn't much to argue with on the five LBWs. Only Van Meekeren's seemed to go down leg, but by then all Dutch referrals had already been used. It probably wouldn't have mattered much, because the Netherlands was all out for 44 in exactly ten overs. Sri Lanka's attack was world-class. Much stronger teams are going to struggle against this varied attack.

Defending 44 runs is of course impossible, but the Dutch seamers bowled excellently and gave it a real shot, with Brandon Glover leading the way. The former VCC player, now active for Northamptonshire, took 1-12 in three overs before Avishka Fernando hit the winning run. Kusal Perera was not out with 33.
Paul van Meekeren (1-20) played for the first time. His fastest ball was clocked at 138 km/h, but he too - besides a good catch on the bowling of fellow paceman Glover - could not make the difference.

Namibia move on to Super 12

Earlier in the day, Namibia had caused an absolute stunt by playing Ireland out of the tournament. Ireland got off to a great start batting with 94 for 3 after 14 overs. After that, nobody made it into double digits, mainly thanks to David Wiese who took two wickets and caused a run out. Ireland got stuck at 125 runs and that proved to be an easy target for the frenzied Africans, entering the World Cup for the first time. Gerhard Erasmus played a captain's knock with 53 not out while Wiese again balled out with 28 not out from 14 balls.

Back to the drawing board

Looking back, there were decisive moments when the Netherlands seemed to lose its grip on the games against Ireland and Namibia. Against Ireland, Curtis Campher caused a sensation by taking four wickets on four consecutive balls. The Netherlands, which only reached 106, did not recover from this blow. It should be noted that the Irish simply played very well and fully deserved the win.

In essence, this also applied to Namibia. The Netherlands made 164 runs and that turned out to be insufficient. The Dutch bowlers gave it all they got, spin and fast, slower balls, bowling wide from the crease for a different line of attack… But when you face a seasoned all-rounder like David Wiese who's playing the tournament of his life, it doesn't matter where you bowl them.

Campbell said afterward that it would not be right to judge the Dutch team on these defeats. He is right; just think of the fire with which roughly the same team qualified for this final tournament a few years ago. The fact is that the competition isn't standing still. Think of Ireland, Afghanistan, Scotland, Namibia… and you can bet that a country like Nepal will also show up to the next T20 Qualifiers.

Fortunately, Dutch cricket fans don't have to spend the winter without their favorite sport. First, you can enjoy the Super 12 until mid-November. After that, also in November, the Dutch women's team will play a World Cup Qualifier 50 overs in Zimbabwe. These matches will be live-streamed. Of course, the competition will also be strong there, but what a great opportunity for the women to show their progress there.