Nepal Overcomes Dutch Resistance and Spin Tests in League Two Thriller
If you thought the Dutch team’s 225 would be enough on a pitch known for helping bowlers, Nepal proved otherwise. On a breezy day at Forthill, Dundee, the spotlight was on the bowlers from both camps—but it was Nepal cricket that stole the show, outmaneuvering Netherlands both with the ball and the bat, grabbing a solid five-wicket win in the 75th match of League Two.
The morning started with Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards calling it right at the toss and opting to post a total. Netherlands didn’t get the smoothest of starts—wickets kept falling just as partnerships began to grow. Edwards looked set for a big one, steadying the middle order with 46 runs from 71 balls, while Vikramjit Singh’s 38 off 56 showed intent up top, but neither could capitalize. Short spurts from Zach Lion Cachet and Teja Nidamanuru offered some hope, but the Dutch side kept losing wickets before anyone could anchor the innings further.
Nepal’s bowlers were clinical. Sompal Kami struck early and late, rattling the Dutch batters, while Karan KC broke the back of the middle order. Lamichhane’s spin was as tricky as ever, tying batters down and halting momentum. Rajbanshi and Dipendra Singh each bagged a wicket too, keeping the Dutch scrambling for runs. By the 49th over, Netherlands had crawled to 225. The total looked competitive given the pitch conditions, but Nepal had other plans.
Nepal’s Steady Powerplay and Calculated Chase
Chasing 225 can be nervy on a surface offering grip to spinners and some movement for seamers. Nepal kept their heads, approaching the target like seasoned campaigners. Their openers laid a solid foundation, absorbing the pressure of early Dutch attacks. The presence of spinners was felt, but Nepal’s batters were patient, picking their moments and working the singles. While the bowlers grabbed a couple of timely wickets, Netherlands just couldn’t land the killer blow that might have derailed the chase.
What stood out was Nepal’s calmness. They refused to chase flashy boundaries, preferring the slow-and-steady route. When partnerships threatened to falter, the next batter steadied things. The target was reached with five wickets and a handful of overs left—a sign of growing maturity for Nepal’s cricket team under pressure, especially away from the subcontinent.
Cricket fans saw textbook consolidation after a strong bowling display, plus enough nerve with the bat to outplay a historically disciplined Dutch side. This win gives Nepal another boost in the League Two standings, while the Netherlands are left ruing missed chances to build partnerships and put a bigger total on the board.