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The Netherlands registered their first victory of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 by defeating Nepal in a Group D match on Tuesday (June 4) by six wickets. The Dutch side managed to restrict Nepal to a modest total of 106 runs in 19.2 overs, thanks to impressive bowling performances from Tim Pringle and Logan van Beek. Van Beek, in particular, played a crucial role in the closing stages of the innings by taking the last two wickets on consecutive deliveries, effectively bundling out Nepal.
Crucial wickets by Logan van Beek against Nepal
The Netherlands’ bowlers were on top from the start, with Pringle picking up three wickets to put Nepal under pressure. Van Beek then delivered the final blows in the last over.
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On the first ball of the last over, Van Beek bowled a scrambled seam delivery, full and straight, that crashed into the stumps as Gulshan Jha attempted a big hit but missed completely. The very next ball, van Beek bowled a back-of-a-length delivery on off stump, which Abinash Bohara tried to hit over long on but only managed to top-edge, resulting in an easy catch for Van Beek himself. This double strike ended Nepal’s innings at a meager 106.
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Netherlands’ chase: A steady yet cautious approach
In response, the Netherlands had a shaky start, losing opener Michael Levitt for just one run. The team then adopted a cautious approach but continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. However, Max O’Dowd anchored the innings with a gritty knock of 54 runs off 48 balls. His composed performance ensured that the Netherlands reached the target with six wickets in hand and eight balls to spare, clinching a much-needed win.