The Netherlands defeated Nepal by six wickets in a low-scoring T20 World Cup match at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, on Tuesday. Opting to bowl first in overcast conditions, the Dutch restricted Nepal to a mere 106 runs in 19.2 overs. They then chased down the target with eight balls to spare.
Nepal had a shaky start, losing openers Kushal Bhurtel (7) and Aasif Sheikh (4) inside the powerplay. The Dutch bowlers kept the pressure on, preventing the Nepali batters from scoring freely and causing regular wickets to fall. Skipper Rohit Paudel tried to steady the innings but departed for 35 runs off 37 balls—the highest score for Nepal. Gulshan Jha (14) and Karan KC (17) added valuable runs at the end, helping Nepal cross the 100-run mark.
Tim Pringle (3/20) and Logan van Beek (3/18) led the Dutch bowling attack, while Paul van Meekeren (2/19) and Bas de Leede (2/22) also impressed. 
The Netherlands lost Michael Levitt for just one run in the second over of the chase. However, Max O’Dowd and Vikramjit Singh adapted well to the situation, forging a 40-run partnership for the second wicket. Dipendra Singh Airee dismissed Vikram for 22 runs, ending the budding partnership.
The Orange army lost Sybrand Engelbrecht (14) and Scott Edwards (5) in the 14th and 16th overs, respectively. It seemed they might struggle to chase the target, but O’Dowd held his ground, scoring a half-century and guiding his team to victory.
Key Moments of the Match:
Dutch Bowlers Exploit Conditions in Powerplay:
The Netherlands bowlers hit the right areas from the start, troubling the Nepali batters. Tim Pringle and Logan van Beek struck in their first overs, putting Nepal in a difficult position early on.
Back-to-Back Wickets for Logan van Beek:
Nepal was 106/8 at the end of 19 overs. Van Beek then removed Gulshan Jha and Abinash Bohara on consecutive deliveries, ending Nepal’s innings.
Early Breakthrough for Nepal:
Sompal Kami provided a glimmer of hope for Nepal by dismissing Michael Levitt in the second over of the chase.
Sybrand Engelbrecht’s Unfortunate Run-Out:
In the 14th over, O’Dowd’s straight drive deflected off the bowler Sompal Kami’s fingertips into the stumps, resulting in Engelbrecht being run out despite a diving effort.
Catches Win Matches:
Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel dropped a crucial catch of Max O’Dowd at long-off. This missed opportunity allowed O’Dowd to secure the win for his side in the 19th over.
Nepal fought valiantly but needs to address its weaknesses in upcoming matches to stay competitive in the tournament. Nepal will face Sri Lanka on June 11 at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida. The Parimatch odds for Nepal in this fixture are 1.90x.
The Netherlands will face South Africa on June 8 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York. The Parimatch odds for South Africa in this fixture are 1.90x.
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