SV Kampong Cricket, Utrecht — In a gripping low-scoring encounter, Canada secured a hard-fought 8-run victory over the Netherlands in the T20I Tri-Series. The match, which saw both sides struggling with the bat, ultimately came down to Canada’s disciplined bowling and a crucial all-round performance by Saad Bin Zafar.
Canada, after opting to bat first, posted a modest total of 132/9 in their 20 overs. The innings got off to a disastrous start with the loss of both openers for ducks, leaving them reeling at 0/2. Nicholas Kirton (13) and Harsh Thaker (10) attempted to stabilize the innings, but it was Shreyas Movva’s 33 off 26 balls and Saad Bin Zafar’s unbeaten 33 off 36 balls that helped Canada reach a defendable total. Kyle Klein (3/22) and Paul van Meekeren (3/29) were the pick of the bowlers for the Netherlands.
In response, the Netherlands also struggled with the bat, losing wickets at regular intervals. Vikramjit Singh (22) and Noah Croes (32) provided some resistance, but the Netherlands fell short of the target, finishing at 124/8 in their 20 overs. Saad Bin Zafar was instrumental with the ball as well, taking 1/15 in his 4 overs, while Parveen Kumar chipped in with 2/10.
Brief Scores:
Canada: 132/9 in 20 overs (Shreyas Movva 33, Saad Bin Zafar 33*, Kyle Klein 3/22, Paul van Meekeren 3/29)
Netherlands: 124/8 in 20 overs (Noah Croes 32, Vikramjit Singh 22, Parveen Kumar 2/10, Saad Bin Zafar 1/15)
Result: Canada won by 8 runs.
Player of the Match: Saad Bin Zafar (Canada) – 33* (36) & 1/15 (4 overs).
This win keeps Canada’s hopes alive in the T20I Tri-Series, while the Netherlands will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches.
