In a thrilling encounter during the T20 Tri-Series held in Glasgow, the Netherlands achieved a remarkable victory over Nepal after a historic sequence of three super overs. This match not only showcased the intensity of modern T20 cricket but also marked a milestone as it is the first instance in any men’s professional match, specifically within either List A or T20 formats, to extend to a third super over. The climax of the game saw Michael Levitt hitting a powerful six, sealing a memorable win for the Dutch side.
At the beginning of this intense matchup, the Netherlands fielded first after winning the toss, managing to put up a respectable score of 152 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Key contributions came from players like Vikram Nidamanuru—a solid performer knocking 35 runs off 37 balls—and the ever-reliable Max O’Dowd who added another 30 runs from 29 balls. On the bowling front, Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane proved to be a formidable adversary, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 18 in his four overs.
In response, Nepal matched the Netherlands’ score, finishing with 152 runs but with one more wicket down—152 for 8. Skipper Gyanendra Malla’s side saw a stellar performance from Arif Paudel who managed to score 48 runs off just 35 balls. Kushal Bhurtel also made a promising contribution with an aggressive 34 runs from 23 deliveries. The climax of the innings came when tailender Nandan Yadav struck boundaries with only a handful of balls remaining in the innings, managing to tie the scores in dramatic fashion.
As the match proceeded to its first super over, Nepal batted first, amassing a total of 19 runs. Bhurtel was notable once again, smacking 18 runs off just five balls. The pressure then mounted on the Netherlands as they began their chase. Max O’Dowd, with a mixture of poise and power, struck an exhilarating six and a four on the final two balls of the super over to level the score and send the contest into another super over.
The second super over came as a nail-biter. This time, the Netherlands batted first again and finished their over with 17 runs. O’Dowd and captain Scott Edwards contributed six runs and a six respectively, ensuring that they set a challenging target. However, Nepal was relentless, and their response kept the tension alive, with enough power and skill to ensure they could still hold on to hope.
In a particularly riveting finish during the third super over, the Netherlands’ Zach Lion-Cachet emerged as a match-winner with decisive bowling. He managed to claim two wickets while conceding no runs, putting Nepal under immense pressure. The stage was then set for Levitt who, with sheer brilliance, finished the contest by smashing a six on the very first ball bowled by Lamichhane, marking one of the most remarkable victories in the history of the team.
While the Netherlands celebrated this historic win and took pride in a victory forged by teamwork and resilient spirit, Nepal must regroup quickly as they are slated to face off against Scotland in their next upcoming game as the T20 tri-series continues. This match served as a testament to T20 cricket’s unpredictability and excitement, perfectly encapsulated in its thrilling conclusion and the unprecedented three super overs that unfolded in Glasgow.