NEP vs NED: Netherlands edges out Nepal in a thrilling T20I clash by 2 runs, with Sebrant Engelsbraten shining with bat and ball.
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In a thrilling encounter in the T20I Tri-Series held in Kirtipur, Nepal faced off against Netherlands in a nail-biting match, with Netherlands emerging victorious by a mere 2 runs. Batting first, Netherlands set a challenging target of 184/4 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Nepal fought valiantly but fell short, managing only 182/8 in their innings.
Netherlands got off to a shaky start, losing opener Max O’Dowd early for just 4 runs in the third over. However, a splendid partnership between Michael Leask and captain Scott Edwards steadied the innings, taking the score past the 50-run mark. Leask played a brilliant knock, scoring 54 off 36 balls, while Edwards contributed a quickfire 33 off just 16 deliveries.
But it was Sebrant Engelsbraten who stole the show with a stellar all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 49 off 38 balls and also picking up two crucial wickets for just 13 runs. Alongside him, Timm van der Gugten played a vital supporting role, scoring 31 runs. For Nepal, Karan KC and Kushal Malla were the pick of the bowlers, each claiming a wicket.
Chasing a target of 185 runs, Nepal started confidently with openers Kushal Bhurtel and Asif Sheikh building a solid foundation. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, and despite a valiant effort from captain Rohit Paudel who scored a gritty half-century, Nepal found themselves struggling at 126/6.
In a dramatic final over, with 15 runs required off 6 balls and four wickets in hand, Nepal’s hopes rested on the shoulders of Dipendra Singh Airee. Airee showcased tremendous courage, smashing boundaries and even a six, bringing the equation down to just 5 runs off 2 balls. But a run-out and Airee’s dismissal on the penultimate delivery dashed Nepal’s hopes of victory, falling short by a narrow margin of 2 runs.
For Netherlands, Roelof van der Merwe and Sebrant Engelsbraten starred with the ball, claiming two wickets each in the tense final over to secure a thrilling win. Engelsbraten was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
Conclusion: NEP vs NED
The match provided fans with edge-of-the-seat action and showcased the growing competitiveness of associate nations in the T20 format. With both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination, the series promises more excitement in the matches to come.
also read: Netherlands vs Nepal Match 2 Scorecard, Result, Player of the Match
