Twitter Reactions: Bas de Leede remains calm under pressure as Netherlands prevail in a low-scoring thriller against Namibia

A nail-biting thriller saw the Netherlands side prevailing in a relatively low scoring game against Namibia in the T20 World Cup 2022 Round 1 Qualifiers at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong. Vikramjit Singh’s aggressive knock at the top alongside Bas de Leede’s all-round efforts sealed the game for the Dutch side.

Earlier in the game, Namibia opted to bat first after winning the toss and Tim Pringle dismissed Divan la Cock early for a two-ball duck. Michael van Lingen hit three boundaries before he was removed by Colin Ackermann while Loftie Eaton did not trouble the scorers. Stephan Baard and Jan Frylinck put on a 31-run partnership and tried to steady things. Erasmus then joined hands with Frylinck and the pair took the side above the 100 run-mark with hard-fought runs.  

Frylinck missed out on a half-century by just seven runs while Erasmus was dismissed in the 19th over to leave Wiese with one over to unleash his power. The likes of Wiese and JJ Smit added 16 runs in the last eight balls with two boundaries as Namibia finished decently with 121 for 6 in their 20 overs. Bas de Leede was the pick of the bowlers for Netherlands with 2 for 18 in his three overs.  

Netherlands lose plot after a strong start

In reply, the Dutch side had the perfect start to the run-chase with 59 runs for the opening partnership. Vikramjit Singh was the aggressor among the pair and he kept finding the boundaries regularly to have a productive powerplay. Once Vikramjit was dismissed for 39, Max O'Dowd took the onus of scoring quickly and his 35-run knock brought down the required rate considerably.  

However, Namibia managed to get back in the game with the wickets of Tom Cooper, Colin Ackermann and Scott Edwards in a quick span and it was up to De Leede to take his side home. Pringle provided him good support and the equation came down to six needed off the last over. Namibia conceded an early boundary and Netherlands won the game by five wickets and with three balls left.  

Here's how Twitter reacted to Netherlands' win:

Tempting faith, but group ‘A’ looks like a possible three way tie on four points, “weather permitting” of course. I can’t imagine Sri Lanka losing another game if they get good weather. #NRR

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 18, 2022

What a game again #ICCT20WorldCup2022 Well played again @KNCBcricket

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 18, 2022

Twist in the tale? As #Namibia gets into #Netherlands tail. #T20WorldCup

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 18, 2022

Some talent, Tim Pringle of Netherlands
#T20WorldCup2022

— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) October 18, 2022

Why so conservative, Namibia? #T20WorldCup #NAMvsNED

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 18, 2022

Is this already the best start ever for any ICC event in the recent past ??

Netherlands win against Namibia but Namibia have done very well to not harm their huge NRR

Netherlands are now top of the group B. Wow !#NAMvNET #T20WorldCup

— Sarvesh (@Cricgist) October 18, 2022

Well played Netherlands. Sri Lanka will have to do it the tough way. #T20WorldCup #NAMvNET

— DS (@Wise_Cricket) October 18, 2022

What a fine hand from #BasDeLeede at the end. #Netherlands had almost bungled the chase, but #DeLeede stood tall amongst the chaos. #NAMvNET #NETvNAM #T20WorldCup

— yousaf saleem (@YousafSaleem7) October 18, 2022