Nepal Defeats Netherlands by 5 Wickets in CWCL2 Match 75.
Nepal vs Netherlands: Match Highlights - ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 2023-27, Match 75.
Introduction
On June 4, 2025, Nepal delivered a commanding performance to defeat the Netherlands by five wickets in Match 75 of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 (CWCL2) 2023-27 at the Forthill Cricket Ground in Dundee, Scotland. This victory marked Nepal’s second consecutive win in the tri-series, following a thrilling one-wicket triumph over Scotland.
The match showcased Nepal’s growing resilience under new head coach Stuart Law, with Aarif Sheikh’s composed 78 anchoring the chase of a modest 226-run target set by the Netherlands. Despite a spirited effort from the Dutch, led by captain Scott Edwards and Noah Croes, Nepal’s disciplined bowling and steady batting secured the win with 17 balls to spare. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the match, highlighting key moments, player performances, tactical insights, and the broader implications for both teams in the CWCL2 campaign.
Match Overview
The 75th match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 2023-27, played at the Forthill Cricket Ground, saw Nepal take on the Netherlands in a crucial encounter for both teams vying for a top-four finish to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 Cricket World Cup Qualifier. Nepal, coming off a morale-boosting win against Scotland, aimed to build momentum under the leadership of captain Rohit Paudel. The Netherlands, playing their first match of the Dundee leg, were looking to regain form after a loss to Scotland ended their four-match winning streak.
The Netherlands, led by Scott Edwards, won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch that offered assistance to both seamers and spinners. However, Nepal’s bowlers, spearheaded by Sompal Kami, exploited the conditions effectively, restricting the Dutch to 225 all out in 49.1 overs. In response, Nepal’s chase was anchored by Aarif Sheikh’s resilient 78, with contributions from Dipendra Singh Airee and others ensuring a comfortable victory in 47.1 overs. The result propelled Nepal to seventh place in the CWCL2 points table, overtaking the United Arab Emirates, while the Netherlands slipped in their pursuit of a top-four spot.
First Innings: Netherlands Batting
Early Wickets Set the Tone
The Netherlands got off to a shaky start after electing to bat. Nepal’s opening bowlers, Sompal Kami and Karan KC, struck early to disrupt the Dutch top order. Michael Levitt fell in the 1.1st over, caught by Aarif Sheikh off Kami for just 1 run, leaving the score at 1/1. Max O’Dowd followed soon after in the 4.5th over, dismissed for a low score, as Nepal’s seamers exploited early movement. By the end of the powerplay, the Netherlands were reeling at 16/2, with Vikramjit Singh and captain Scott Edwards tasked with rebuilding the innings.
Vikramjit Singh showed resilience, scoring 38 off 56 balls, including seven boundaries, before falling to a brilliant catch by Aarif Sheikh off Sandeep Lamichhane’s spin in the 21.4th over, leaving the Netherlands at 88/3. The dismissal broke a promising partnership and handed Nepal the upper hand.
Middle Order Resistance
Scott Edwards and Zach Lion Cachet attempted to stabilize the innings with a cautious partnership. Edwards, the Dutch captain, played a measured knock, scoring 46 runs off 68 balls with a focus on rotating the strike. Cachet contributed a steady 20 before being dismissed in the 32.5th over, caught off Karan KC, as the score reached 143/5. The Netherlands struggled to accelerate, with Nepal’s spinners, Sandeep Lamichhane and Lalit Rajbanshi, tightening the screws.
Noah Croes provided a late flourish, scoring a fluent 48 off 55 balls, including several well-timed boundaries. His partnership with Teja Nidamanuru (23 off 35) briefly raised hopes of a competitive total. However, Nepal’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Sompal Kami returned to dismiss Croes in the 47.5th over, caught by Bhim Sharki, triggering a collapse. The lower order, including Roelof van der Merwe (12) and Kyle Klein (5), failed to add significant runs, and the Netherlands were bowled out for 225 in 49.1 overs when Vivian Kingma was dismissed by Kami.
Nepal’s Bowling Dominance
Nepal’s bowling attack was disciplined and varied. Sompal Kami led the way with figures of 3/48 in 8.5 overs, claiming key wickets to disrupt the Dutch batting. Karan KC (2/35) and Sandeep Lamichhane (2/48) provided crucial breakthroughs, while Lalit Rajbanshi’s economical 2/30 in 10 overs stifled the middle order. Gulsan Jha chipped in with a wicket, and the collective effort ensured the Netherlands could not post a challenging total. The bowlers’ ability to strike at regular intervals and maintain pressure was a testament to Nepal’s growing maturity in the 50-over format.
Second Innings: Nepal’s Chase
Top Order Struggles
Chasing 226, Nepal’s openers, Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, aimed for a solid start. However, Bhurtel fell early to Michael Levitt in the 5th over, scoring a quick 15, leaving Nepal at 20/1. Aasif Sheikh, the wicketkeeper-batsman, played some elegant shots but was dismissed for 22 by Kyle Klein, reducing Nepal to 45/2. Bhim Sharki (12) and captain Rohit Paudel (18) steadied the innings but fell in quick succession to Paul van Meekeren and Roelof van der Merwe, respectively, leaving Nepal at 90/4 after 22 overs.
Aarif Sheikh’s Match-Defining Knock
Aarif Sheikh, coming in at No. 5, played a match-defining innings of 78 off 99 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. His composed approach anchored the chase, as he forged a crucial 70-run partnership with Dipendra Singh Airee. Sheikh’s ability to rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries kept Nepal ahead of the required run rate. Airee, unbeaten on 38 off 45 balls, played a supporting role, hitting three boundaries and a six to ensure Nepal stayed in control.
The Netherlands’ bowlers, led by Michael Levitt (2/43), tried to apply pressure, but Nepal’s middle order held firm. Gulsan Jha sealed the victory in style, hitting a six off Vivian Kingma in the 47.1st over to take Nepal to 226/5, securing a five-wicket win with 17 balls remaining. The chase was a testament to Nepal’s growing batting depth and ability to handle pressure in a moderate run chase.
Key Performances
Nepal
Aarif Sheikh (78 off 99): The wicketkeeper-batsman’s patient yet aggressive knock was the cornerstone of Nepal’s chase. His ability to rebuild after early wickets and guide the team to victory earned him widespread praise.
Sompal Kami (3/48): The pacer’s disciplined bowling, including the early dismissal of Levitt and the final wicket of Kingma, was instrumental in restricting the Netherlands.
Dipendra Singh Airee (38 off 45)*: Airee’s unbeaten knock provided crucial support to Sheikh, ensuring Nepal crossed the finish line comfortably.
Sandeep Lamichhane (2/48) and Lalit Rajbanshi (2/30): The spinners’ economical spells and timely wickets kept the Dutch batting in check.
Netherlands
Noah Croes (48 off 55): Croes’s fluent knock was a highlight for the Netherlands, though he fell short of a fifty.
Scott Edwards (46 off 68): The captain’s steady innings provided some resistance, but he couldn’t convert his start into a big score.
Michael Levitt (2/43): The opener contributed with the ball, dismissing Bhurtel and Sharki to give the Netherlands early hope.
Tactical Analysis
Nepal’s Strengths
Disciplined Bowling: Nepal’s bowlers maintained tight lines and varied their pace, preventing the Netherlands from building momentum. Sompal Kami’s early strikes and the spinners’ control in the middle overs were pivotal.
Resilient Batting: Aarif Sheikh’s ability to anchor the chase while rotating the strike showcased Nepal’s growing batting maturity. The middle order’s composure under pressure was a significant improvement from earlier matches in the cycle.
Fielding Intensity: Nepal’s fielding, highlighted by Aarif Sheikh’s catch to dismiss Vikramjit Singh, was sharp and contributed to the pressure on the Dutch batsmen.
Netherlands’ Shortcomings
Top Order Collapse: The early losses of Levitt and O’Dowd put the Netherlands on the back foot, making it difficult to set a competitive total.
Inability to Capitalize: Despite contributions from Edwards and Croes, no Dutch batsman could convert their starts into a match-defining score, limiting their total to a below-par 225.
Bowling Inconsistency: While Levitt and van Meekeren took wickets, the Dutch bowlers struggled to maintain pressure, allowing Nepal to chase comfortably.
Post-Match Reactions
Nepal’s head coach Stuart Law, who took charge recently, celebrated a 100% win record in the tri-series so far. “Aarif [Sheikh] played a fantastic knock, and our bowlers set the tone early. This win shows we’re moving in the right direction,” Law said, as quoted by the Kathmandu Post. Captain Rohit Paudel praised the team’s collective effort, stating, “The bowlers did a great job to keep them to 225, and Aarif’s innings was the difference.”
Social media reactions on X reflected the jubilation among Nepal fans. One user wrote, “Back-to-back wins for Nepal! Aarif Sheikh & Dipendra Singh Airee shined with the bat, Sandeep, Karan & Sompal dominated with the ball — and Gulshan Jha sealed it in style with a six!” Another post hailed the victory as a sign of Nepal’s resurgence, stating, “Nepal defeats the Netherlands by 5 wickets! We’re climbing up that ladder!”
Netherlands captain Scott Edwards expressed disappointment, noting, “We didn’t bat well enough to set a challenging total. Nepal bowled and fielded superbly, and we couldn’t break their momentum in the chase.” The loss added pressure on the Netherlands, who remain in contention for a top-four spot but need to regroup quickly.
Historical Context
Nepal and the Netherlands have faced each other five times in ODIs, with the Netherlands holding a 3-2 lead. Nepal’s victory in this match followed a thumping nine-wicket win over the Netherlands in February 2024, signaling their growing competitiveness against stronger associate nations. The Netherlands, with 12 wins in 20 matches in the CWCL2 cycle, remain a formidable side but have struggled for consistency in recent outings.
Implications for CWCL2 2023-27
Nepal’s victory lifted them to seventh place in the CWCL2 points table, with three wins in 13 matches, overtaking the UAE. With eight games in hand over top teams like Scotland, Canada, and the Netherlands, Nepal have a realistic chance to push for a top-four finish and automatic qualification for the 2027 Cricket World Cup Qualifier. The appointment of Stuart Law as coach and the emergence of players like Aarif Sheikh and Dipendra Singh Airee bode well for their campaign.web:15�11
For the Netherlands, the loss was a setback in their pursuit of a top-four spot. With 12 wins and 26 points from 20 matches, they remain second in the points table but face increased pressure to perform in upcoming matches. The team’s batting frailties and reliance on key players like Max O’Dowd and Scott Edwards need addressing to maintain their strong position.
Broader Context for Nepal Cricket
Nepal’s back-to-back wins in Dundee mark a significant step forward in their CWCL2 campaign. After a slow start, with only three wins in their first 12 matches, the team’s recent performances under Stuart Law suggest a turnaround. The victory over the Netherlands, a team with a strong CWCL2 record, highlights Nepal’s potential to compete with associate cricket’s heavyweights. However, consistency remains a challenge, as seen in their earlier losses to teams like Namibia and Oman.
The CWCL2 format, with 144 ODIs across 24 tri-series, offers Nepal ample opportunities to climb the points table. The top four teams will qualify directly for the 2027 Cricket World Cup Qualifier, while the bottom four will face the Qualifier Play-off. Nepal’s upcoming tri-series, including matches against Oman and the UAE in November 2025, will be critical in their quest for a top-four finish.
Nepal’s five-wicket victory over the Netherlands in Match 75 of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 2023-27 was a testament to their growing prowess in associate cricket. Aarif Sheikh’s match-defining 78, backed by a disciplined bowling performance led by Sompal Kami, ensured Nepal chased down 226 with composure.
The Netherlands, despite contributions from Noah Croes and Scott Edwards, were undone by their inability to post a competitive total and break Nepal’s momentum. This win, celebrated widely by fans on X, positions Nepal as a team on the rise, with the potential to challenge for a top-four spot in the CWCL2 cycle. As both teams look ahead, Nepal’s resurgence under Stuart Law and the Netherlands’ need for batting consistency will shape their paths to the 2027 Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
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