Netherlands Clinches Second World Cup Victory with Convincing Win over Bangladesh
Paul van Meekeren’s impressive bowling figures of 4-23, combined with skipper Scott Edwards’ crucial knock of 68, propelled the Netherlands to a resounding 87-run victory over Bangladesh, securing their second win in the Cricket World Cup.
Edwards anchored the Dutch innings on a challenging Eden Gardens pitch, laying a solid foundation for a competitive total of 229. Despite Mehidy Miraz’s contribution of 35 runs for Bangladesh, the Dutch bowlers maintained their composure and efficiently dismissed their opponents for 142, even with some lower-order resistance.
The Netherlands’ victory places them in the eighth position in the tournament standings, while England finds themselves at the bottom. Bangladesh’s top-order batsmen struggled against the intelligent bowling of Van Meekeren, who claimed three vital wickets, including Najmul Shanto (9), Shakib Al Hasan (5), and Mushfiqur Rahim (1).
Although Bangladesh showed glimpses of a recovery from a precarious position of 70-6, the Dutch team tightened their grip on the match. A crucial seventh-wicket partnership of 38 between Mahmudullah (20) and Mahedi Hasan (17) was disrupted by a brilliant run-out by Bas de Leede. Durham all-rounder De Leede then caught the dangerous Mahmudullah, signaling the beginning of the end for Bangladesh.
In a fitting conclusion, Van Meekeren took the final wicket of Taskin Ahmed, caught by De Leede in the deep, sealing the victory with 46 balls to spare. Earlier in the innings, Wesley Barresi counter-attacked for the Netherlands after the early loss of both openers. Barresi’s fluent knock of 41 off 41 balls provided crucial momentum, while Edwards displayed patience with a well-crafted innings of 68 off 89 deliveries, securing his second half-century of the tournament.
This result can be considered an upset, as Bangladesh holds full ICC membership while the Netherlands has associate status. However, the Netherlands’ progress in the tournament, having already qualified ahead of two full members, suggests that their victory should be seen as a mild surprise rather than a major shock. Despite the differences in resources and facilities, the Dutch team has showcased their versatility and international competence.
The Netherlands’ triumph over Bangladesh gives them a 2-1 advantage in their head-to-head meetings in ODIs. The Dutch have excelled in outplaying a team with more experience in subcontinental conditions, bouncing back from a record-breaking defeat to Australia that could have dented their confidence.
Bangladesh’s batsmen appeared ill-prepared for the disciplined bowling lines and lengths of Van Beek, Van Meekeren, and De Leede, resulting in four top-order dismissals caught behind the wicket. Edwards’ bold field placements also played a crucial role, exemplified by the dismissal of Shanto caught at second slip off Van Meekeren.
Furthermore, the Netherlands’ fielding was excellent, with the highest catch conversion rate among all teams in the tournament. Led by coach Ryan Cook’s innovative thinking, the Netherlands team had set ambitious goals of targeting the semi-finals before the World Cup commenced. With more points than England and Bangladesh and on par with Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, a place in the last four remains a mathematical possibility for the Dutch.
Player of the match, Paul van Meekeren, expressed his team’s determination to reach the semi-finals and credited the team’s effort in bouncing back from the defeat against Australia. Skipper Scott Edwards highlighted the professionalism of the Netherlands’ system, their hard work in training, and their high expectations from players, which have started to yield rewards. Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan acknowledged his team’s poor batting display throughout the tournament and emphasized the need to finish on a positive note in the remaining three games.
Related posts:
You have visited 0 post(s)