An inspirational Netherlands scripted an incredible come-from-behind fairytale, riding all-rounder Bas de Leede’s individual brilliance as they beat Scotland by four wickets to join Sri Lanka as the second qualifying team for the ICC World Cup in India, starting October 5.
Needing 278 inside 44 overs to qualify, De Leede’s power-packed 123 off 92 balls, including seven fours and five sixes, and his 113-run sixth-wicket stand in 11.3 overs with Saqib Zulfiqar (33 not out) helped the Netherlands reach the target in 42.5 overs.
This is the fifth time that the Netherlands have qualified for the 50-over global event, having played in the 1996, 2003, 2007 and 2011 editions.
“Little bit lost for words. I thought what Bas de Leede and Saqib Zulfiqar did in the last 10 overs was unbelievable to watch,” an emotional Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards said after the match.
“This group is just incredible. We put in the hard work and the guys just enjoy everyone’s success. We had a different match-winner in every game. It’s a pretty awesome feeling. It was just unbelievable batting by Leede and Saqib in the end,” the skipper added.
Call it a coincidence, Bas’ father Tim de Leede was an important member of the Netherlands team during the first three of those World Cups.
Even though Scotland (+0.102) and Zimbabwe (-0.099) also finished with six points, Netherlands, by virtue of this win, leapfrogged to reach a net run-rate of +0.230.
They will play Sri Lanka in the final but that match is of hardly any consequence now.
The Netherlands’ victory is even more creditable since they were without some of their key players, including veteran duo of Roelof van der Merwe and Colin Ackermann, due to their County commitments.
Scotland, who looked favourites to earn the second spot behind Sri Lanka for the showpiece event, scored 277 for 9 courtesy a fine 106 off 111 balls by Brendon McMullen and his 137-run stand for the fourth wicket with skipper Richie Berrington (64).
Right-arm pacer De Leede saved his best performance for his 30th ODI as he grabbed a maiden five-wicket haul (5/52) to restrict Scotland to under 300.
A lot of credit should also go to Indian-origin opener Vikramjit Singh (40), who provided a steady start.
Brief scores: Scotland 277/9 in 50 (Brandon McMullen 106, Richie Berrington 64; Bas de Leede 5/52). Netherlands 278/6 in 42.5 (Bas de Leede 123, Vikramjit Singh 40). Netherlands won by 4 wickets.
Written with PTI inputs
