Titwood, June 15 (Nepal Time) – In a pulsating encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Netherlands clinched a heart-stopping victory over Nepal in the second match of the ongoing T20 Tri-Nation Series at Titwood. The thrilling contest was decided in a Super Over after both teams scored 152 runs in their respective innings. Ultimately, it was Zach Lion-Cachet and Michael Levitt who emerged as heroes for the Dutch, sealing the win with five balls to spare in the Super Over.
A Classic in the Making
Nepal won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to restrict the Dutch batters on a typically balanced Titwood surface. The Netherlands, however, posted a competitive total of 152/7 in their 20 overs.
Teja Nidamanuru anchored the innings with a cautious 35 off 37, while opener Vikramjit Singh added 30 from 29 deliveries. It was Saqib Zulfiqar’s late blitz – an unbeaten 25 off just 12 balls – that gave the Netherlands the much-needed momentum towards the end.
Nepal’s star leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane was the pick of the bowlers, returning with impressive figures of 3/18 from his full quota of four overs. Left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi (1/22) and pacer Nandan Yadav (2/18 in 2.5 overs) also made key breakthroughs to keep the Dutch batters in check.
Nepal’s Spirited Chase
In reply, Nepal showed great intent, with Kushal Bhurtel smashing 34 off 23 balls and captain Rohit Paudel leading from the front with a commanding 48 off 35 deliveries. However, regular wickets at crucial intervals slowed their progress.
Netherlands’ Daniel Doram turned the tide with a fiery spell of 3/14 in 4 overs, supported ably by Vikramjit Singh (2/30) and Zach Lion-Cachet (1/22). Despite a late flourish from Rupesh Kumar Singh (19 off 14), Nepal also ended on 152, triggering a rare and exciting Super Over.
Super Over Drama Unfolds
Nepal sent in Kushal Bhurtel and Rohit Paudel to bat in the Super Over, but Dutch all-rounder Zach Lion-Cachet bowled a sensational over, dismissing both batters for 0/2 in just four balls, leaving Netherlands a modest target of 3 runs.
In response, Michael Levitt needed just one delivery, hammering Sandeep Lamichhane for a six to seal the match in emphatic fashion. Netherlands finished at 6/0 in the Super Over with five balls to spare.
Player of the Match: Zach Lion-Cachet
The all-round brilliance of Zach Lion-Cachet rightfully earned him the Player of the Match title. His contributions were pivotal in all departments – a steady 11 off 8 with the bat, 1/22 in regulation play, and a game-changing 2 wickets for 0 runs in the Super Over.
This dramatic victory gives the Netherlands a key edge early in the T20 Tri-Nation Series. With four more matches to go in this six-match tournament, both teams will be eager to learn from the thrilling encounter. Nepal, despite the heartbreaking loss, will take confidence in their competitive performance.
Match Summary:
Netherlands: 152/7 (20 overs)
Teja Nidamanuru 35 (37), Vikramjit Singh 30 (29), Saqib Zulfiqar 25* (12)
Sandeep Lamichhane 3/18, Nandan Yadav 2/18
Nepal: 152/8 (20 overs)
Rohit Paudel 48 (35), Kushal Bhurtel 34 (23)
Daniel Doram 3/14, Vikramjit Singh 2/30
Super Over:
Nepal 0/2 (0.4 overs)
Netherlands 6/0 (0.1 overs) – Netherlands won by Super Over (5 balls left)
