ICC CWCL 2: Oranje Bowling Attack Puts USA to the Sword

The Netherlands produced a composed and thoroughly professional performance to beat the USA by 21 runs in their ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 fixture on Monday (June 8). This can be called an upset, considering the Americans have been dominating the Cricket World Cup League 2 points table and are still 10 points clear of the Dutch who are currently in fourth place. In many ways, this result underlines the fact that Dutch cricket is entering its most exciting era.

Batting first, the Oranje posted 196/8 from their 50 overs. This total relied on grit rather than fireworks, featuring yet another trademark knock from the ever-reliable Max O'Dowd; something Netherlands fans have come to rely on. O'Dowd top scored with a patient 111 ball 59 to walk away with the Man of the match award.

Bas de Leede lit up the final overs, smashing 36* off 34 balls to provide the crucial late impetus. De Leede, who could well have one of the highest fan-followings amongst Dutch players in the inaugural ETPL season, exhibited the match-changing ability that franchise cricket demands.

It wasn't a big total and required solid defending. And that's exactly what was on display. When the USA replied, chasing 197, the Netherlands bowling unit dismantled the innings with controlled precision. Aryan Dutt was exceptional with three wickets at a miserly economy of 2.30. He was ably supported by ODI debutant - 26-year-old all-rounder Alex Roy took 2/33. 

The Netherlands had as many as three ODI debutants and two of them really made their presence felt. Along with Roy, 18 year old opener Cedric de Lange showed he belongs on this stage, scoring a restrained 31 off 57 balls in conditions where even seasoned batters struggled to put bat on ball, further highlighting the abundance of talent in Europe.

USA crumbled to 175 all out. Their last five batters made a cumulative 29 runs. 34-year-old batting all-rounder Shehan Jayasuriya top scored for the Americans with 34, before falling to Dutt. 

The result keeps the Netherlands firmly on track in their World Cup qualification campaign, and impactful performances from several players will only heighten excitement for the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League later this summer. 

The ETPL represents a landmark collaboration among the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, a united effort to grow the game in the continent while elevating European cricket on the world stage. Going by what we saw on Monday, the Dutch players are well and truly ready for the spotlight.