During a pulsating group stage encounter of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Harare on Monday (June 26), Logan van Beek’s exceptional performance in the Super Over led the Netherlands to a remarkable victory over the West Indies. Van Beek’s heroics secured an enthralling win for his team and left the Men in Maroon in a precarious position heading into the Super Six stage.
Chasing a mammoth target of 374, the Netherlands staged a stunning fightback, almost pulling off an extraordinary run chase. The fifth-wicket partnership between Teja Nidamanuru (111) and Scott Edwards (67) played a pivotal role, contributing 143 runs and igniting hope among the Dutch contingent.
With the equation narrowing down to one run required off the final ball, Van Beek’s dream of steering his team to victory was abruptly halted when West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder executed a sensational catch, forcing the match into a Super Over.
However, Van Beek refused to let this setback define the game. In the Super Over, the Christchurch-born all-rounder displayed exceptional composure and power-hitting skills. He unleashed an onslaught on Holder, smashing an impressive 30 runs, including three sixes and three fours, setting the highest individual score in a one-over eliminator.
But Van Beek’s contributions were not limited to his batting heroics alone. With the ball in hand, he continued his match-winning display. The determined all-rounder picked up two crucial wickets (Johnson Charles and Romario Shepherd) during the West Indies’ reply in the Super Over, effectively sealing the game for his side.
Here’s the video:
https://twitter.com/superking1816/status/1673361123566063619
The Netherlands’ victory in this thrilling encounter not only demonstrated their resilience but also dealt a significant blow to the West Indies’ aspirations of securing a spot in the ODI World Cup. With zero points heading into the Super Six stage of the qualifiers, the Men in Maroon now face an uphill battle to keep their CWC dreams alive.
