Netherlands finish their World T20 journey with a win

Netherlands successfully defended the minute 60 run target against Ireland in a 6 overs a side clash at the Dharmashala. Rains yet again played spoilsport at the venue delaying the match by more than two hours.

The match originally scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm local time could only start after 5:30 pm. Ireland won the toss and chose to field. The Dutch could not start well as they lost Tom Cooper and Roelof van der Merwe in the 2nd over by left-arm spinner George Dockrell. Wesley Barrett then tried to get runs quickly but could have much success. However, opener Stephen Myburgh (27 from 18 balls) and skipper Peter Borren (14 from 9 balls) the played out the remaining overs to take the team to 59/6 in 6 overs.

George Dockrell was the only successful bowler for the Irish side, taking figures of 3/7 in two overs.

Ireland, in reply, was very sloppy and not a single batsman apart from Paul Stirling (15 from 7 balls) could reach double figures. Paul van Meekeren claimed two wickets in two balls twice in the match and finished with figures of 4-11 whereas Roelof van der Merwe took 2-3.

Tim van der Gugten was the first strike after he snapped up the wicket of William Porterfield in the 2nd over o the match. Paul van Meekeren, in the following over gave a double blow to the Irish team after he snapped up both Kevin O’ Brien and Paul Stirling in back to back deliveries. Kevin was the first to go after he was caught by Seelar for a duck. Stirling looked determined but Paul van Meekeren cut short his stay at the crease, dismissing in the following delivery. The Ireland batsmen then tumbled quickly and could muster only 47/7 in the six over, losing the match by 12 runs.

Brief Scores:

Netherlands: 59/6 in 6 overs (Stephan Myburgh 27; George Dockrell 3/7)

Ireland: 47/7 in 6 overs (Paul Stirling 15; Paul van Meekeren 4/11)

Man of the Match: Paul van Meekeren