Bas de Leede played exceptionally well in both bowling and batting, leading Netherlands to a ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 qualifier comfortable victory.
Netherlands Qualify Cricket World Cup 2023
In a remarkable feat, Bas de Leede became only the fourth player in men’s ODI history to achieve a five-wicket haul and score a century in the same match.
Netherlands made history once again as they defeated Scotland, securing their spot in the World Cup in India.
What Was The Target Set by Scotland in Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier match Netherlands vs Scotland?
Scotland set Netherlands a competitive target of 278.
Chasing a target of 278, Netherlands successfully reached the goal in just 42.5 overs.
Here’s How the Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier match Netherlands vs Scotland unfolded:
Toss: Netherlands won the toss and chose to bowl first, taking advantage of favorable morning conditions. Both teams fielded the same playing XI, considering the Net Run Rate permutations.
First Innings: Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier match Netherlands vs Scotland
Netherlands’ decision to bowl first proved effective when Logan van Beek dismissed Matthew Cross, a dangerous batsman, for a two-ball duck in the opening over.
Christopher McBride and Brandon McMullen attempted to stabilize the Scottish innings, but Bas de Leede ended their partnership by sending both openers back to the pavilion.
A few overs later, De Leede removed George Munsey, leaving Scotland at 64/3 after 15 overs.
However, Brandon McMullen, who had settled into the situation, took control of the match.
McMullen played patiently, capitalizing on loose deliveries, and eventually reached his half-century.
After achieving this milestone, he accelerated his scoring and formed a strong partnership with Richie Berrington.
The duo contributed 137 runs for the fourth wicket, the highest ODI partnership against Netherlands by Scotland. McMullen scored his second century of the tournament.
Netherlands finally broke the partnership when McMullen was caught behind by the wicketkeeper off Ryan Klein, having scored 106 runs and taking Scotland past the 200-run mark.
Berrington also scored a fine half-century but was bowled by Bas De Leede for 68 in the 45th over.
In the 49th over, Bas De Leede took two more wickets, slowing down Scotland’s progress and completing his first five-wicket haul in ODIs.
Scotland set Netherlands a competitive target of 278.
Second Innings: Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier match Netherlands vs Scotland
Netherlands started their chase of 278 with caution. The Dutch openers managed to establish a solid 65 run partnership.
Batting hero McMullen gave Scotland more hope as he dismissed Wessly Barresi, reducing Netherlands to 93/3 in the 20th over. Chris Greaves then took the wicket of Teja Nidamanuru at the halfway mark.
The run rate was slow at the beginning, and when Scott Edwards fell in the 31st over to Mark Watts, Scotland remained competitive in the game.
Bas de Leede Scored 123 Runs(91 balls): Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier match Netherlands vs Scotland
However, Bas de Leede stood firm, reaching his 50. With the qualification scenario looming, the pressure was on the Dutch team to accelerate.
Zulfiqar provided excellent support to de Leede, initially scoring singles and twos to keep the scoreboard moving.
When the equation came down to 45 runs off 24 balls, de Leede decided to change the momentum.
He targeted Watt, hitting back-to-back sixes to complete a fantastic century.
Zulfiqar also joined the onslaught, hitting a six in the same over, relieving considerable pressure.
In the following over, two more sixes were hit, almost guaranteeing victory for the Netherlands.
Bas de Leede scored 123 runs (91 balls).
Although de Leede was run-out in the next over, Logan van Beek came and hit the winning runs.
Much to the delight of his Bas de Leede displayed exceptional skills in both bowling and batting, leading Netherlands to a resounding victory in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
In a remarkable achievement, de Leede became only the fourth player in men’s ODI history to take five wickets and score a century in the same match.
By defeating Scotland, Netherlands secured their place in the World Cup in India, marking another significant moment in their cricket history.
Netherlands successfully chased down the target of 278 runs in just 42.5 overs.
With this win, Netherlands secured their qualification for Cricket World Cup 2023 (CWC23).
