The Netherlands close in on Global Qualifier with seven wicket win over Italy

You can’t miss the Dutch cricket team. It’s unknown whether you’d see or hear them first with their classic orange kit, their various nicknames on the pitch for each other or their loud team sound which bellows out from the changing room but you will always be aware if they’re there.

Italy opted to bat first, a decision to clearly limit the run fest the Netherlands may have started. ‘Sharky’ aka Iris Zwilling was quick with the impact starting with a wicket maiden and dismissing Methnara Rathnayake. Middle stump pinged back for Zwilling to get a second with Alexia Kontopirakis gone for 10, Italy in deep waters with the shark on the hunt. There was no escape for the Italians as Zwilling struck again, finishing with figures of 3/14 dismissing the top three and tactically bowling all over overs every early on.

Quietness was never an option for either side regardless of the game situation, a blend of Dutch, Italian and English (even German at one point) being vocalised around the ground.

The Dutch restricted Italy to 89/9, with wickets falling as intermittently as the planes departed Rotterdam Airport passing over the field of play. Caroline de Lange and Silver Siegers picking up two wickets apiece while Heather Siegers, yesterday’s centurion, added another.

With plenty of time to chase down 90, the Netherlands were more tentative with the bat, particularly compared to the emphatic total they posted against Germany. A gentle partnership between skipper Babette de Leede and Robine Rijke took the hosts level with the score, Italy causing some last-minute chaos, Fernando bowling de Leede. Rijke ensured victory for the Dutch, a seven wicket victory and two more points on the table.  

The Netherlands have shown themselves to be an impressive force. Dominating against Germany, sailing past Italy; these were expectations, but they’ve lived up to those. The ruthlessness showed at times and the constant fight even when clearly in the driving seat it admirable. Facing Ireland on Tuesday afternoon, who have qualified with two games to spare thanks to Italy’s loss, will be an important test having missed out on the win earlier in the competition.

In the same breath, the determination demonstrated by Italy, utilising momentum and the pressure the side managed to place on such a strong opposition added an edge to the one-sided nature of the game.