1st T20I, The Hague, August 04, 2022, 08:30 PM
New Zealand
148/7(20.0ov)
Netherlands
132/10(19.3ov)
New Zealand beat Netherlands by 16 runs
Best Batsmen
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B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
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R
W
Econ
Commentry
Right then. That's it from the coverage of this game. The Kiwis have taken a 1-0 lead in this two-match T20I series. These two sides will cross swords again in the final game of the series on 5th August, 2022. The action is set to begin at 8.30 pm IST (3.00 pm GMT). But as you all know you can join us early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye.
Mitchell Santner the skipper of New Zealand says that it was a challenge, probably a slow wicket but they did well to get to close to 150 and he says they bowled well up top. Adds that the quick-fire cameo from James Neesham was good. He helped them get close to 150 which was enough in the end. Mentions that wickets in the Powerplay slowed the batters down a bit.
Scott Edwards the captain of Netherlands says that the bowlers did pretty well and restricting them to 148 was pretty good. He says that they didn't get a good start and Kiwis bowled well upfront. He praises the spinners for their effort. He ends by saying that there were a few positives to take from this game and they will look to execute their plans better in the next game.
Stay tuned for a few interviews...
Earlier, Netherlands bowlers bowled with great discipline to restrict New Zealand to a low total. If it was not for a 20-run penultimate over, they would have been chasing much less. Most New Zealand batters got starts but didn’t go on to make it big with Martin Guptill the top-scorer with his 45. The stage looked set for an upset but the New Zealand pacers returned to the field with intent. In the end, the result was as we expected and once again the minnow has fallen just short of the finish line.
New Zealand began their defense in absolutely stunning fashion with Blair Tickner taking three wickets in his first two overs. After that, it was pretty much cruise control mode and the bowlers went through the motions. They never looked challenged and the only player to put some resistance was Bas de Leede. However, there was very little he could do all alone. The pace bowlers were outstanding for New Zealand with Tickner taking four as he added the wicket of Bas de Leede towards the end. Ben Sears also contributed with three wickets and the two spinners got one each.
Netherlands started the chase tentatively and never seemed to get a move on. They were scoring at under six runs per over right from the start up till the later stages of their innings. They lost three wickets really early after which they were always chasing the game. Bas de Leede was the only player to apply himself and show any sort of intent. He played almost the whole innings with very little support from the other end. He scored 66 runs off just 53 deliveries and gave a slight ray of hope to his side.
Despite having to chase a moderate total, Netherlands have fallen short of the total. New Zealand bowlers have done well to seal this win after their batters put on a disappointing show earlier. In the end, it is a comfortable 16-run win and New Zealand have taken an unassailable 1-0 lead in this two-match series.
In over# 20
0W
2
4
Blair Tickner 27/4(3.3)
19.3
W
OUT! TAKEN! Blair Tickner grabs his fourth wicket and wraps the game up! An excellent effort from Bas de Leede! He was the lone warrior in this chase. Blair Tickner pitches this one up, around middle and off. Bas de Leede lifts this one high towards long on. But the ball goes off the toe end and flies high towards the fielder there. Daryl Mitchell settles under it and takes a good catch. New Zealand win by 16 runs!
19.2
2
Good running! A fuller ball, around middle and off. Bas de Leede lifts it over the bowler's head and towards long off. Two taken! 17 needed off 4 balls!
19.1
4
FOUR! A perfect start to the over for Netherlands! A fuller ball, outside off. Bas de Leede makes room and drives it powerfully through cover for a boundary! 19 needed off 5 balls!
In over# 19
1
1
1
4
0
0W
Lockie Ferguson 23/0(4)
18.6
1
Full again and outside off, Bas de Leede drills it to deep point for another single. 23 runs needed in the last over.
18.5
1
Goes full and around off, Clayton Floyd tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.
18.4
1
A full toss and on off, Bas de Leede digs this towards backward point for a run.
18.3
4
FOUR! It is too little too late now. This is banged short on middle and off, Bas de Leede looks to pull it but gets beaten by the pace. The ball deflects of his gloves and goes past the keeper towards the third man fence for a boundary.
18.2
.
Full and on middle and off, Bas de Leede looks to heave it over mid-wicket but gets an inside edge to the leg side.
Clayton Floyd is the last batter for Netherlands.