Team effort: first win for the Netherlands at World Cup Qualifier
Published at 22 June, 2023After the loss against Zimbabwe, the Netherlands was alert against the United States. The Americans were limited to 211/8, a total that was surpassed by the Dutch for the loss of five wickets thanks to half centuries from Teja Nidamanuru and Scott Edwards.
For a long time it seemed that the Netherlands could keep America under 200. However, some difficult catching chances were not taken. Jahangir, 71, in particular benefited; 211/8 was the end result.
With seamer Ryan Klein in the team for Saqib Zulfiqar, the Dutch team – which fielded after winning the toss – got off to a great start. Van Beek, who was moving the ball both ways in the morning hours, started with a maiden. Ryan Klein was also immediately 'on the money': Modani ct Vikram Singh.
The dangerous Steven Taylor was superbly bowled by an inswinger from Van Beek (18/2). Mukkamalla made his first runs at this tournament with a six, but soon after fell victim to a beauty from Klein that hit the top of the offstump. When Aaron Jones was bowled by Bas de Leede, it was 46/4/14.
Gajanand Singh and Shayan Jahangir – centurions against the Windies and Nepal respectively – had to make a recovery. Jahangir escaped twice, but Gajanand was caught by keeper Scott Edwards on the leg side on a loosener from Vikram Singh (79/5).
The Americans simply couldn't rotate the strike as a result of tight bowling and fielding. The poor result was 94/6 after 30 overs, just three runs per over. The running between the wickets did not demonstrate a great sense of urgency either.
The Netherlands could still have turned to Shariz Ahmad when Vikram Singh went for 17 runs in his second spell in two overs. Jessy Singh and Jahangir managed a partnership of 86 for the seventh wicket before Jessy (38) was superbly caught by Dutt off his own bowling.
Jahangir – who was dropped on 4 and 33 – took advantage of some Dutch mistakes and eventually top scored with 71. All six bowlers were successful, but seamers Ryan Klein (2-31) and Bas de Leede (2-37) had the best figures. Spinners Dutt (1-46) and Floyd (1-32) also bowled well; Dutt was even used in the 'death'. USA managed at 211/8 in the available 50 overs.
Netherlands innings
O'Dowd (26) and Barresi (29) couldn't continue their solid start. With four wickets down, two phenomena of Dutch cricket came to the crease: Teja Nidamanuru with his almost otherworldly concentration and Scott Edwards with his unparalleled alertness. With sharp running between the wickets – although they were helped by dramatic ground fielding from the Americans – they made a crucial partnership of 72 for the fifth wicket.
The Netherlands never had to make more than 4.5 runs per over. Nidamanuru (58) was dismissed, but thanks to support from Logan van Beek, Edwards was able to get the job done with a monumental 67 not out.
On June 24, the Dutch team will take on Nepal and on June 26 the West Indies. If the Netherlands beat Nepal on Saturday, the chances of qualifying for the Super Six are high.
Photo credit: ICC/Getty
