Noah Croes's 70 Fires Netherlands to Victory
Netherlands have won by 57 runs. Netherlands batted first and posted 225/9 in 50 overs. Nepal, chasing 226, fell short at 168/10 in 48 overs.
Noah Croes was the standout in the first innings, scoring 70 off 93 balls (SR 75). 4 fours provided the impetus. The powerplay yielded 22 runs — early wickets put them under pressure from the start.
Aasif Sheikh fought hard with 38 off 78 balls, but it was not enough to haul Nepal over the line. The required rate climbed too steeply in the end.
With the ball, KC Karan delivered figures of 4/30 in 10 overs (Econ 3.0). A match-defining spell that tore through the batting order.
NED lead the series 10-3. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.
The Turning Point
The result was shaped by a series of small moments rather than one dramatic turning point. The winning side was simply more clinical in their execution across both innings.
Key Performers
70 off 93 balls (SR 75), 4 fours, 0 sixes
4/30 in 10 overs (Econ: 3.00)
57 off 91 balls (SR 63), 3 fours, 0 sixes
Verdict
Netherlands showed composure when it mattered most and deserve this victory. Nepal came up short by 57 runs. There were passages where they looked competitive, but consistency eluded them when it mattered. NED lead the series 10-3. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.