Dharamsala: Medium pacer Paul van Meekeren bagged a career-best four wicket haul as the Netherlands picked up an entertaining 12-run win over Ireland in a rain-hit dead rubber of the ICC World T20 qualifier. The rain reduced the inconsequential game to six over a side contest. Stephan Myburgh (27) helped the Netherlands get 59 for five in six overs before Meekeren provided timely wickets to restrict Ireland to 47 for 7 in six overs.
Both teams were not in the race to qualify for the tournament proper but the Dutch exit the tournament on a high after a consolation win today.
Left-arm spinner Roelof van der Merwe also picked up two important wickets for the Netherlands in what turned out to be an exciting contest after rain played spoilsport for most part of the day.
Amongst Meekeren’s scalps was the prized wicket of the dangerous Kevin O’ Brien, who was caught in the deep courtesy a spectacular running catch by Pieter Seelar.(PTI)
score board
Netherlands innings
SJ Myburgh run out (†NJ O’Brien/Rankin) 27
TLW Cooper c Rankin b Dockrell 0
RE van der Merwe c Murtagh b Dockrell 02
W Barresi† st †NJ O’Brien b Dockrell 08
PW Borren* run out (Wilson/†NJ O’Brien) 14
Mudassar Bukhari not out 0
Extras 08
Total 59/5
Ireland innings
WTS Porterfield* c BN Cooper b van der Gugten 05
PR Stirling c van der Merwe b van Meekeren 15
KJ O’Brien c Seelaar b van Meekeren 0
GC Wilson c van der Gugten b van der Merwe 04
NJ O’Brien† not out 04
AD Poynter c BN Cooper b van der Merwe 0
MC Sorensen b van Meekeren 09
GH Dockrell b van Meekeren 0
AR McBrine not out 01
Extras 09
Total 47/7