By Netherlands secured a tense six-wicket victory over Nepal in their T20 World Cup opener in Dallas, chasing down a target of 107 with just eight balls remaining. Max O’Dowd’s composed half-century at the top of the order was instrumental in securing the win for Scott Edwards’s side.
O’Dowd remained unbeaten on 54 off 48 balls, guiding Netherlands through a challenging run-chase on a pitch that favored bowlers. The match became particularly tight towards the end, with Netherlands needing to score over a run a ball after the 17th over. However, O’Dowd’s crucial boundary off Abinash Bohara in the 19th over ensured that the match didn’t go down to the wire. Nepal’s chances were further hampered by a dropped catch at long-off when O’Dowd was on 41, which proved costly in the end.
Nepal got off to a shaky start, losing two wickets in the PowerPlay, with Tim Pringle and Logan van Beek striking early for Netherlands. Despite a brief resistance from Nepal’s middle order, they lost wickets at regular intervals, failing to build substantial partnerships. Karan KC’s late cameo of 17 off 12 helped Nepal reach 106, but they were eventually bowled out with four balls to spare.
“Netherlands edge past Nepal with Max O’Dowd pivotal performance”
In response, Netherlands also faced early setbacks, losing Michael Levitt in the PowerPlay. However, O’Dowd and Vikramjit Singh steadied the innings, scoring at a steady pace. The middle overs remained closely contested, with Nepal’s bowlers keeping the scoring in check. However, O’Dowd’s crucial knock and a late flourish towards the end saw Netherlands cross the finish line with six wickets in hand.
Netherlands will now travel to New York to face South Africa on June 8, while Nepal will have a six-day break before taking on Sri Lanka in Florida.
Brief Scores: Nepal 106 in 19.2 overs (Paudel 35; Pringle 3-20, van Beek 3-18) lost to Netherlands 109/4 in 18.4 overs (O’Dowd 54*; Dipendra 1-6) by 6 wickets
