Tri-series in cricket are worth following because of the intriguing matchups they set up. In the ongoing Nepal Tri-series, things are heating up as the contest goes down to the final match.
In the penultimate game of the series, the Netherlands defeated table-toppers Thailand by 1 wicket in a last-ball thriller.
Thailand won the toss and opted to bat first. Pacer Iris Zwilling continued her love affair with the new ball, replicating her performance from the last game. The right-arm pacer dismissed Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Nannapat Koncharoenkai, and Nattaya Boochatham for scores of 0, 3, and 6, respectively.
Chantham and Chanida Sutthiruang put up a 66-run stand to avoid any further turbulence in the batting order. Wicketkeeper Suwanan Khiaoto’s 4-ball cameo of 10 runs took the total to 109 for the loss of five wickets at the end of 20 overs.
Coming to the second innings, the Netherlands had a decent start, with openers Phebe Molkenboer (32 off 42) and Sterre Kalis (14 off 12) taking on the bowlers.
Except for Robine Rijke (20 off 21), none of the middle-order batters could keep the scoreboard ticking. Having a series to remember, star all-rounder Thipatcha Putthawong delivered another sensational spell of 4/12. She was perfectly partnered by spin twin Onnicha Kamchomphu, who claimed three wickets and broke the backbone of the chasing team.
With eight runs required off the last over and two wickets in hand for the Netherlands, pacer Phebe Molkenboer removed one of the batters, swinging the game in Thailand’s favour. However, the tailenders didn’t panic and steadily guided the team home on the last ball of the innings, resulting in a memorable one-wicket win.
Iris Zwilling was named Player of the Match for her outstanding spell of 4/9, delivering at an impressive economy rate of 2.25.
With Thailand’s loss in match no. 8 of the tri-series, they are no longer guaranteed the top spot. The Netherlands have ended their tour with eight points from four games, while Thailand have a game to spare against Nepal.
The net run rate now comes into play, and hosts Nepal will have to crush Thailand to help the Dutch climb the table and take the trophy home.
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