On July 8, 2025, Scotland and the Netherlands faced off in a gripping encounter during Match 6 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier at Voorburg Cricket Club in The Hague. The match, part of the round-robin format to secure a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup, saw Scotland edge out the Netherlands by a narrow margin of 6 runs, boosting their qualification hopes.
Match Highlights
Scotland, batting first after winning the toss, posted a competitive total of 148 for 9 in their 20 overs. Oli Hairs led the charge with an explosive 52 runs off 35 balls, including 6 fours and a six, setting a solid foundation. Contributions from captain Richie Berrington (28) and Charlie Tear (32) helped Scotland navigate a challenging pitch. The Netherlands’ bowlers, particularly Bas de Leede with 5 wickets, applied pressure in the latter stages, but Scotland’s total proved just enough.
In response, the Netherlands managed 142 for 7, falling short despite a valiant effort. Max O’Dowd, the tournament’s top run-scorer for the Dutch with 65 runs overall, was dismissed early by Scotland’s Brandon McMullen, who also removed Zach Lion-Cachet. Safyaan Sharif’s dismissal of Michael Levitt (22) further dented the Netherlands’ chase. Scotland’s bowlers, led by Chris Greaves with 3 wickets for 26 runs, maintained composure in the final overs to secure the victory.
Key Performances
- Scotland: Oli Hairs’ aggressive 52 was pivotal, while Chris Greaves’ 3 wickets earned him the Player of the Match honors. The team’s disciplined bowling in the death overs was crucial in defending their total.
- Netherlands: Despite the loss, Bas de Leede’s 5-wicket haul showcased his all-round prowess. Max O’Dowd’s early dismissal was a setback, but the Dutch showed resilience in their chase.
Context and Impact
This match was a critical moment in the Europe Qualifier, with both teams vying for a top-two finish to advance toward the 2026 T20 World Cup. Scotland, coming off a rain-abandoned match against Guernsey, needed this win to climb to third on the points table with a net run rate of 0.300. The Netherlands, who had previously beaten Jersey, slipped after this defeat but remain in contention.
The rivalry between these two sides is well-documented, with Scotland holding a slight edge in recent T20 encounters, having won 3 of the last 5 matches against the Netherlands. The Voorburg pitch, known for favoring teams bowling first, added intrigue, as Scotland’s decision to bat first paid off narrowly.
What’s Next?
Scotland face Italy on July 9, 2025, at Sportpark Westvliet, aiming to build on this momentum. The Netherlands, meanwhile, take on Guernsey on the same day, looking to bounce back. Both teams know that every match is crucial in this tightly contested qualifier.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 6:27 pm by Rishi Akkaraju | Published by: Rishi Akkaraju on July 9, 2025 6:27 pm | News Categories: SPORTS
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