Netherlands outclassed Nepal by six wickets on Monday in the ICC World T20 Qualifiers being held in the UAE.
At the ICC Global Cricket Academy in Dubai, Netherlands won the toss and elected to field and restricted Nepal at 85/7 in allotted 20 overs. In reply, Netherlands met the target in 13.5 overs losing four wickets.
Netherlands Captain Peter Boreen (L) and Nepali Skipper Paras Khadka (R) pose for a photograph with match referee David Jukes during the toss. Photo: ICC
Nepal lost their opener Pradeep Airee (1 run) in the third over and the wickets kept on falling. Sharad Vesawkar, skipper Paras Khadka added a run each and returned to pavilion as Nepal was reeling at 10/3 in 4.3 overs. Opener Anil Mandal scored 11 runs off 24 balls. Gyanendra Malla added 32 runs off 49 balls in his attempt to anchor the innings.
Mehboob Alam (1 run) was bowled out by Tom Cooper while Prithu Baskota was run out adding eight runs.
Basanta Regmi remained not out adding 20 runs of 17 balls, which helped Nepal to reach 85/7. Shakti Gauchan remained unbeaten with two runs.
Michael Swart took two wickets while Mudassar Bukhari, Peter Borren and Tom Cooper claimed a wicket each.
In reply, openers Stephan Myburgh (15 runs) and Swart (16 runs) put up a 22-run first wicket partnership. Despite losing wickets in regular intervals, Netherlands batsmen chipped in to chase the small target. Wesley Barresi scored 14 runs. Tom Cooper added 18 runs and Alexei Keryezee chipped in with 15 runs to seal the easy victory.
Basanta Regmi took three wickets giving away 32 runs in four overs while Shakti Gauchan claimed a wicket.
Swart was awarded with man-of-the-match trophy for his all-round performance.