Squad

In a thrilling final group game that went down to a super over, the West Indies, two-time champions, now face a monumental task to secure qualification for the Cricket World Cup. Nicholas Pooran’s exceptional century, his second of the qualifiers, propelled the West Indies to a commanding total of 374/6. However, Teja Nidamanuru’s brilliant 111-run knock in response gave the Netherlands hope, with victory requiring just one run off the final ball.

Jason Holder’s outstanding catch denied Logan van Beek, resulting in a tied score. In the ensuing super over, Van Beek unleashed an explosive display, scoring 30 runs off Holder’s over, leading to a remarkable win for the Dutch in Harare. Van Beek continued to shine by restricting the West Indies to a mere eight runs in their super over, dismissing Johnson Charles and Romario Shepherd with consecutive deliveries, sealing an extraordinary triumph.

“It’s hard to put into words at the moment. We aimed to do something special,” said Van Beek. Reflecting on the victory, he added, “Having lost so many games from similar situations, it was immensely satisfying to come out on top. Now we have a significant opportunity to participate in the World Cup in India.”

Pooran’s unbeaten 104 off 65 balls, along with strong contributions from openers Brandon King (76) and Charles (54), helped the West Indies amass a formidable total while batting first. King and Charles laid a solid foundation with a 101-run opening partnership, while Shai Hope’s 47 further bolstered the score during a century stand with Pooran. Keemo Paul’s quick-fire 46 not out also added valuable runs to the team’s total.

Although the Netherlands got off to a promising start, reaching 76 without loss, it was not until Nidamanuru partnered with captain Scott Edwards (67) that they seemed capable of achieving the target. However, their dismissals in consecutive overs raised doubts. Van Beek and Aryan Dutt took up the challenge, but faltered with just five runs needed off the last five balls, seemingly on the verge of victory.

Despite failing to seal the win on the final delivery from Alzarri Joseph, Van Beek’s explosive performance in the super over placed the West Indies in real danger of missing out on the World Cup later this year. “We let ourselves down there,” expressed Hope, the West Indies captain. He acknowledged the challenging situation the team now faces, saying, “We are aware of what we must do. It’s an unfortunate position we’ve put ourselves in.”

The Netherlands progress as runners-up in Group A, carrying over two points, while the West Indies start at zero and must secure victories against Scotland, Oman, and Sri Lanka to keep their hopes alive, though their qualification hangs by a thread.

Ten Doeschate (42), a former KKR player who was part of the title-winning squads of 2012 and 2014, could also be involved in a role in the franchise’s subsidiary in the UAE League (ILT20). He will be an assistant coach for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders side. KKR team sources have confirmed the development to Cribuzz stating that TenDo, as the former Netherlands captain is known, has ‘always been a Knight Rider’. Ten Doeschate announced his retirement from international cricket last year and has also completed his stint with the Essex side in English County Cricket.

Elsewhere in ILT20, Phil Simmons is likely to join as the head coach of Dubai Capitals. The franchise, owned by Kiran Kumar Granthi, a co-owner of Delhi Capitals, is in talks with the outgoing West Indies coach, who recently stepped down after the side’s poor showing at the ongoing T20 World Cup in Australia. Simmons is currently in Australia, where he will guide the West Indies team in the two-Test series against the hosts, starting November 30.

Auction likely in India now
Meanwhile, it is learned that the IPL and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seem to have shelved the plans of having the
December 16 mini-auction in Istanbul. The Istanbul idea was initially floated among the franchises but had to be dropped because of logistical and operational problems. The new venue has not yet been finalized but it will be in India itself.

Chameera picked up three wickets in Tuesday’s big win over the United Arab Emirates in Geelong but hobbled off the field after pulling out his run-up when bowling his fourth over.

The 30-year-old, who missed Sri Lanka’s recent Asia Cup triumph with a leg problem, is awaiting scans on the injury and could miss other matches should they qualify for the Super 12. Sri Lanka has already lost left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka, who was ruled out of the tournament with a quadriceps muscle tear and replaced in the squad by Binura Fernando.

Spin-bowling all-rounder Danushka Gunathilaka, who missed the UAE game, and fast bowler Pramod Madushan are also questionable due to hamstring issues. After training in Geelong on Wednesday, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said he expected Gunathilaka would be fine. Madushan was still awaiting the result of a scan, he told reporters.

Shanaka added that multiple players were on stand-by in Sri Lanka to be flown in as injury cover. The unbeaten Netherlands leads Group A on four points, with 2014 champions Sri Lanka third, level on points with second-placed Namibia but behind the Africans on run rate. Namibia plays the winless UAE in the other qualifier in Geelong on Thursday.
The top two sides advance to the Super 12.