Netherlands claims Tri-nation T20 International Series Title with victory over Nepal

KATHMANDU: In a thrilling final match held at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, the Netherlands emerged victorious in the Tri-nation T20 International Series, defeating Nepal by four wickets.

Despite Nepal setting a formidable target of 185 runs, the Netherlands chased it down successfully in 19.3 overs, losing six wickets in the process.

Michael Levitt played a pivotal role in the Netherlands' triumph, showcasing a brilliant performance with a half-century, scoring 54 runs off just 29 balls, which included three sixes and six fours. He was well supported by Max O'Dowd, who contributed 22 runs off 23 balls.

The opening partnership between Levitt and O'Dowd laid a solid foundation for the Netherlands, accumulating 83 runs for the first wicket.

Although Kushal Malla of Nepal managed to take two wickets in his first over during the ninth over, it wasn't enough to halt the Netherlands' momentum.

Vikramajit Singh and captain Scott Andrew Edwards further strengthened the Netherlands' innings with their contributions of 29 runs and 2 runs, respectively.

Nepal's Sybrand Engelbrecht played an impressive innings, scoring 48 runs off 29 balls before being dismissed. However, Nepal couldn't maintain their momentum as they lost wickets at crucial junctures.

In the end, Timm van der Gugten and Roelof van der Merwe ensured victory for the Netherlands, remaining unbeaten.

Michael Levitt, who not only scored crucial runs but also took two wickets, was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match title.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Nepal posted a total of 184 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Aashif Shekh top-scored for Nepal with 47 runs, while contributions from Kushal Bhurtel, Rohit Poudel, and Gulshan Jha bolstered their total.

Fred Klaassen, Timm van der Gugten, Michael Levitt, and Sybrand Englebrecht starred with the ball for the Netherlands, each claiming two wickets.

With this victory, the Netherlands secured the top position in the series standings with five points, while Nepal finished in second place with four points.

Namibia, who secured three points, finished at the bottom of the table after playing four matches, winning one, losing two, and drawing one.

The Netherlands had previously defeated Nepal by two runs in the series, while Nepal managed to secure a thrilling six-wicket victory over the Netherlands in their previous encounter.

The match between Namibia and the Netherlands was canceled due to rain, with both teams sharing one point each.