In the closely fought match between England and Netherlands, England have come out victorious getting past the formidable Dutch total of 292 in the 49th over.
England have won the match by 6 wickets but credit must be given to Netherlands for putting up a solid show. Contrary to the last day matches between Australia and Zimbabwe or that featuring New Zealand and Kenya or the one between Sri Lanka and Canada which were one-sided affairs, today’s match was thrilling and competitive.
Batting first, Netherlands amassed a massive-looking 292/6 riding on the century of Ryan ten Doeschate (119). Dutch batsmen like Doeschate, Peter Borren (35) and Wesley Barresi (29) hit the English bowlers, particularly James Anderson, all over the park.
Chasing the Dutch total of 292, England needed a good start and that’s exactly what openers Kevin Pietersen (39) and Andrew Strauss (88) provided. Dutch bowlers bowled mostly medium pace deliveries and the experience of the English batsmen helped them ease nerves.
Jonathan Trott (62) and Ian Bell (33) provided solidarity in the middle overs and never allowed the Netherlands to cut through. Dutch skipper Peter Borren smelled blood when the 4th English wicket fell on 241 but thereafter veteran Paul Collingwood (30) and talented Ravi Bopara (30) saw the team through.
Result: England defeated Netherlands by 6 wickets
Man of the Match: Ryan ten Doeschate for scoring a smashing 119 and taking 2 wickets