Netherlands Defeat UAE, Qualify For ICC T20 World Cup 2020

Netherlands eased past United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the playoff match to confirm a berth in the next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia. This is the third consecutive time that they have made it to the tournament, having qualified for the tournament in 2014 and 2016. The Netherlands will now face Ireland, who have qualified for the World Cup, in the first semi-final on November 1.

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After being asked to bowl first, Netherlands sent UAE’s top and middle-order packing as the Ahmed Raza-led side were five down for 9. Waheed Ahmed (19 off 35), Mohammad Boota (16 off 27) and Sultan Ahmed (11 off 12) dragged UAE’s score to 90 in 20 overs.

Qualifier number 13 confirmed for Australia!

Congratulations Netherlands, what a performance from them today ? pic.twitter.com/rYV37P8Oup

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 29, 2019

Brandon Glover shone with the ball and scalped four wickets in his four overs. Paul van Meekeren and Timm van der Gugten picked up two wickets each.

Chasing the target, Netherlands did lose two quick wickets but riding on Ben Cooper’s 41* off 53, they chased down the target with ease.

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Apart from Netherlands and Ireland, Pappu New Guinea have also made it to the T20 World Cup.

While Netherlands will play their third T20 World Cup on the trot, their win over England in 2009 has been their highest point so far. Chasing 163 in the opening game of the tournament, the Jeroen Smits-led side chase down the target on the final ball to upset The Three Lions.

In 2014, they again upset England by successfully defending a total of 133.

The T20 World Cup 2020 will start on October 18. The final of the tournament will be played at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on November 15.