LUCKNOW: Afghanistan bowlers spun the web around the Netherlands, while their fielders inflicted four run-outs to book the Dutch side at a meagre 179 in the 34th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 at BRSABV Ekana cricket stadium.
Opting to bat first, the Netherlands’ batting lineup unfolded in the 47th over, putting a modest total of 179 on the board despite Sybrand Engelbrecht’s half-century.
The Dutch side had a dismal start to their innings as Mujeeb Ur Rahman removed Wesley Barresi (1) in the first over.
Following the early blow, Colin Ackermann and Max O’Dowd put together an anchoring 70-run partnership for the second wicket and pulled their side out of trouble.
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The pair began to dominate the Afghan bowlers before O’Dowd’s sensible knock came to an end in the 12thy over, courtesy of a direct hit by Azmatullah Omarzai.
O’Dowd smashed nine boundaries on his way to a 40-ball 42.
Engelbrecht then joined Ackermann in the middle and they could put together a brief 19-run stand before the former fell victim to a suicidal running. He scored 29 in 35 deliveries, hitting four boundaries.
The dismal running between the wickets harmed the Dutch side again when their skipper Scott Edwards’ fell for a duck on the next delivery.
He went for a sweep but only managed an under-edge towards the keeper and Edwards, clueless of where the ball was, marched down the pitch and allowed Ikram Alikhil to dislodge the bails.
His dismissal sparked a collapse and the Netherlands began to lose wickets at an alarming rate.
Engelbrecht stood his ground firm and kept the scoreboard ticking singlehandedly until he, too, got run out, taking the total tally to four.
He top-scored for the Netherlands with a cautious 58. His 86-ball knock featured six boundaries.
Meanwhile, Roelof van der Merwe (11) and Aryan Dutt (10) added vital runs at the backend.
Mohammad Nabi led the bowling attack for Afghanistan with 3/28 while Noor Ahmad bagged two wickets.
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