The Netherlands registered a comfortable five-wicket victory over Nepal at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE on Wednesday dealing a big blow to Nepali hopes of topping Group B in the ICC World T20 Qualifiers.
On Wednesday, Nepali players performed below par in both batting and bowling as the Netherlands achieved a modest target of 108 runs in 16.2 overs losing five wickets. Opener Stephen Myburgh topscored for the Netherlands with 31 runs off 20 balls, while Eric Szwarczynski remained unbeaten on 21.Though the Netherlands kept losing wickets at regular intervals, all the batsmen were able to reach double figures, the only exception being Michael Swart (3).
Opener Myburgh smashed five fours and a six, while Szwarczynski hit a four during his 28-ball knock. Wesley Barresi (11), Daan Van Bunge (11), Peter Borren (17) and BN Cooper (12 not out) were the other batsmen to contribute for the Netherlands. Basanta Regmi claimed three wickets for 12 runs in his four-over spell to finish as the most successful bowler for Nepal. Skipper Paras Khadka claimed one wicket giving away 23 runs in 3.2 overs and Shakti Gauchan took 1-29 in his four-over spell.Earlier, Nepal made a slow start after being sent in to bat first. The team was 58/3 after 14 overs, but Nepal collected 49 runs from the last six over to finish at 107/6.
Vice-captain Gyanendra Malla topscored for Nepal with 44 runs off 55 balls. Binod Bhandari scored 29 off 26 and opener Subash Khakurel added 11 runs.Opener Sagar Pun (6), skipper Paras Khadka (5) and Sharad Vesawkar (6) were out cheaply. Pradeep Airee and Basanta Regmi both remained unbeaten on 1.Mudassar Bukhari of the Netherlands claimed three wickets for 15 runs with a maiden in his four-over spell. Ahsan Malik took 2-29 bowling four overs and Michael Rippon picked up a wicket giving 10 runs in his two-over spell.
The defeat was the second in five matches for Nepal, which faces Afghanistan and Bermuda in the remaining group matches. The defeat saw Nepal drop one spot to third with six points while the Netherlands consolidated its position at the top of the table with eight points from five matches. Afghanistan is level on points with Nepal but has a match in hand.
Nepal had defeated Denmark, Kenya and Papua New Guinea and lost to Scotland in its previous matches. Similarly, the Netherlands had defeated Afghanistan, Bermuda and Denmark, losing only to Papua New Guinea.