Netherlands vs West Indies
In their final group match of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers, Netherlands shocked the West Indies, defeating them in a Super Over, despite Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten 65-ball 104. Netherlands equaled West Indies’ total of 374 before defending 30 runs in the Super Over, helped by Teja Nidamanuru’s 76-ball 111.
When West Indies were given the opportunity to bat, they got off to a terrific start with half-centuries from openers Brandon King and Johnson Charles. Together, they scored 101 runs for the first wicket to lay a solid foundation. However, Pooran’s innings were what changed the momentum. Before a sudden collapse dropped West Indies to 295 for 6 in the 44th over, the southpaw built a 108-run partnership with Shai Hope. But in the final 40 balls, Pooran and Keemo Paul scored 79 runs. Paul was undefeated on a 25-ball 46 while Pooran hammered nine boundaries and six sixes.
All of the batters in the top order for the Netherlands made significant contributions early on without particularly breaking out. In reality, they were reduced to 170 for 4 by the 30th over, with all of the top four batters reaching the 20s and 30s. However, Nidamanuru and Scott Edwards’ partnership for the fifth wicket helped Netherlands turn the situation around. The pair’s 143 runs in 90 balls of additional scoring gave the Netherlands’ pursuit considerable impetus. Aryan Dutt and Logan van Beek made sure they were moving at the necessary pace to tie on points.
Van Beek hit three boundaries and as many sixes in the Super Over to score 30 runs off Jason Holder. Charles, in contrast, got things starting with a six but was unable to continue the scoring. He holed out to the fielder at long on three balls later, and the game was over when Holder edged to the keeper. The Netherlands finished the league stage with three victories, while West Indies ended third on the points table with only two victories in four games.
Zimbabwe vs the US
Sean Williams scored a career-high 174, which was his seventh ODI century, to lead Zimbabwe to a 304-run victory over the United States in Harare. The second-highest victory margin in ODIs was achieved by Zimbabwe with its fourth straight victory in the competition.
When Zimbabwe was put into bat, they got off to a fast start thanks to a 56-run partnership between Innocent Kaia and Joylord Gumbie for the first wicket. Even though Kaia fell on 32, the USA was unable to regain control. For the second wicket, Williams and Gumbie scored 160 runs to keep Zimbabwe in control. Gumbie dropped on 78, but Williams kept moving forward with Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza, adding quickfire stands of 88 and 81, respectively. As Zimbabwe scored 408 for 6, Williams finished at 174.
USA’s pursuit early on leveled down in response. Ryan Burl and Richard Ngarava decimated the top order. The USA lost five wickets within the first 10 overs, with all five batters leaving with single-digit scores. A few run-outs also assisted. For them, a recovery was simply not feasible. The remaining hitters made a few small contributions, but they were all out for 104.
