Netherlands Secure Narrow Victory Over Nepal in Low-Scoring T20 World Cup Clash
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Group D, Texas
Nepal 106 all out (19.2 overs): Paudel 35 (37); Van Beek 3-18
Netherlands 109-4 (18.4 overs): O’Dowd 54 (48); Airee 1-6*
The Netherlands won by six wickets
Netherlands Triumph in Tense Opener
The Netherlands emerged victorious against Nepal in a closely contested encounter, securing a six-wicket win in their T20 World Cup opener in Dallas. Despite a modest target of 106, the Dutch side faced significant resistance from Nepal’s bowlers before reaching their goal in the 19th over.
O’Dowd’s Steadfast Performance
Max O’Dowd was instrumental in guiding the Netherlands to victory, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 54 from 48 balls. His resilience was evident, particularly after being dropped on 40—a moment that could have shifted the match in Nepal’s favour. O’Dowd’s determination ensured the Dutch remained on track despite the challenging conditions.
Nepal’s Batting Woes
Earlier, Nepal struggled to establish momentum, collapsing to 106 all out in 19.2 overs. Skipper Rohit Paudel was the standout performer with a patient 35 from 37 balls. Unfortunately, he found little support, with Karan KC’s 17 being the next highest contribution. The Dutch bowlers, led by Logan van Beek and Tim Pringle, who both claimed three wickets, maintained pressure throughout, never allowing Nepal’s batters to settle.
Dutch Batting Struggles
Chasing a low total, the Netherlands’ innings was far from straightforward. The Dutch batters found it difficult to find a rhythm, often battling against their attacking instincts. Vikram Singh chipped in with 22, while Sybrand Engelbrecht and Bas de Leede added 16 and an unbeaten 11 respectively. De Leede’s composed boundary sealed the win, ensuring a positive start for the Dutch campaign.
Upcoming Fixtures
Looking ahead, the Netherlands are set to face South Africa on Saturday at 15:30 BST. Meanwhile, Nepal will regroup before their next match against Sri Lanka on 12 June.
