Netherlands beat Ireland by 12 runs in WT20 qualifier

The Netherlands prevailed over Ireland by 12 runs in a six over-per-side rain-curtailed inconsequential qualifying contest of the World Twenty20 cricket tournament at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium here on Sunday.

Ireland won the toss and decided bowl first and allowed the Netherlands to post 59 runs for five wickets in six overs in the Group A encounter. Opening batsman Stephan Myburgh scored 27 runs from 18 deliveries.

In reply, Ireland opening batsman Paul Sterling gave them a flying start with a personal score of 15 in seven deliveries.

But the Irish lost their way due to superb medium fast bowling from Paul van Meekeren, who picked up four wickets for 11 runs in two overs.

Left-arm spinner Roelof van der Merwe took two wickets for three runs in the crucial fourth ovfer he bowled and conceded just three runs. After his over, Ireland needed 25 in 12 balls. In the next over, Mudassar Bukhari gave away only five runs, paving the way for the win.

Oman and Bangladesh play later on Sunday and the winner will qualify to the main draw. The Netherlands have three points from three matches, while Ireland have one point.