Netherlands shock England with last-ball victory

LONDON (ICC T20 WC, 2009): The Netherlands simply refused to go Dutch and defeated England by four wickets in a dramatic last ball finish to give the second ICC World Twenty20 competition a memorable start at Lord’s on Friday. Chasing 163 to win, the Netherlands got home thanks to a Stuart Broad overthrow off the final ball.

It is not as if the Dutch rode on good fortune alone. It must be said they worked hard to deserve every bit of luck that went their way on the inaugural day of the tournament. England openers Ravi Bopara and Luke Wright put on a century stand in 11 overs but the team was made to lose their way in the remaining nine overs of their innings.

From 102 without loss, England finished with 162 for five, striking just one four in that inexplicable spell of sluggish scoring – and wishing that Kevin Pietersen had not pulled out of the game with an injury. The century stand was the only time that England had something going for them. In fact, a one-sided match looked on the cards.

The Netherlands kept faith and clawed their way back into the game with disciplined bowling and enthusiastic fielding. And when their turn came to bat, the Dutch continued the show of self-belief that characterised the team on Friday. Even though paceman James Anderson claimed three for 23 in his four overs, the Netherlands were always in the frame.

Tom de Grooth made 49 off 30 balls (six fours, one six) and Peter Borren made 30 off 25 balls to lead the way but opener Darren Reekers and Ryan ten Doeschate had small but significant contributions too.

Stuart Broad’s final over was eventful – he missed three run out opportunities and was unable to latch on to a catch off ten Doeschate. Edgar Schiferli had to secure a single off the final delivery to tie the match and had Broad not attempted to run him out and conceded an overthrow, the game would have gone into the Super Over.