Netherlands registered its first win after beating Zimbabwe by five wickets
After a fine performance by fast bowlers, in-form opener Max O’Dowd scored a half-century as Netherlands beat Zimbabwe by five wickets to register their first win in the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup here on Wednesday. O’Dowd scored 52 runs in 47 balls as Netherlands chased down the target of 118 for 120 for five with two overs to spare. The Netherlands got two points from this win but are already out of the race for the knockouts.After Wednesday’s defeat, Zimbabwe’s hopes in the tournament are also almost over. Earlier, despite the fine innings of Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s team was bundled out for 117 runs in 19.2 overs, batting poorly.
Star all-rounder Raza scored 40 runs in 24 balls. He hit three fours and as many sixes during his innings. Apart from him, only Sean Williams (28) could reach double digits. For the Netherlands, fast bowler Paul Van Meekeren was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 29 runs. Bass de Leede (2 for 14), Logan Van Beek (2 for 17) and Brandon Glover (2 for 29) also took two wickets each. The Netherlands, however, chased down the target with ease, registering their first win in the Super 12 stage. The team will take on South Africa in their final match on Sunday. Zimbabwe’s team has turned out to be an upset beating Pakistan in the Super 12 stage and will take on India in their final match on Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Chasing the target, the Netherlands lost the wicket of Stefan Maiberg (08) in the fourth over itself, who was sent to the pavilion by Blessing Mujarbani (2 for 23). O’Dowd and Tom Kapoor (32) then added 73 runs for the second wicket to provide a strong platform for the team. Both took the team’s score to 67 runs for one wicket in 10 overs. O Dowd completed his fourth and 11th half-century of the World Cup with two consecutive fours off Luke Jongwe. However, when Netherlands needed nine for 30, they lost the wickets of O’Dowd and captain Scott Edwards within nine balls. In the end, De Leede (12 runs in 12 balls) gave the team victory by hitting two fours.
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Earlier, in this do or die match, Zimbabwe’s team played 66 balls empty, which can be guessed how much the batsmen had to struggle to score runs. Raza looked in good form and hit several lucrative shots but when it looked like he would take the team to a challenging score, De Leede waved the ball in the air and caught it to Fred Klaasen. Electing to bat after winning the toss, Zimbabwe’s team could score only 20 runs in the power play.
He lost the wickets of captain Craig Irwin (03), Regis Chakabwa (05) and Wesley Madhevere (01) during this period. Raza then retaliated and increased the run rate. He shared a 35-ball 48-run partnership with Sean Williams. Zimbabwe lost wickets at regular intervals and the entire team was reduced to the 20th over after Van Meekeren’s dismissal of Williams broke the pair.
