By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Jun 17, 2025 01:28 AM • 176 views
In a match that will be etched in cricketing folklore, the Netherlands clinched a breathtaking victory over Nepal after an unprecedented third Super Over—the first such occurrence in international cricket history—spoiling what was Nepal's landmark 100th T20 International appearance.
Playing in the opening fixture of the triangular T20I series at The Grange, Edinburgh, Nepal, and the Netherlands produced an edge-of-the-seat thriller that refused to end in regular time. Ultimately, the Dutch held their nerve to triumph in one of the most dramatic T20I matches ever played.
Nepal's Milestone Match Turns into a Marathon Battle
Nepal, chasing a target of 153, fought tooth and nail to keep their hopes alive until the very end. With five required off the final ball of the 20th over, debutant Nandan Yadav—a tailender with little fanfare—lashed a nerveless boundary to level the scores and trigger the first Super Over.What followed was pure theatre.
Super Over I: Nepal Strike Early, Dutch Respond
The first Super Over saw Kushal Bhurtel explode with the bat, hammering 18 of Nepal's 19 runs off Daniel Doram, including two sixes and a four. But the Dutch weren't to be outdone. Michael Levitt and Max O'Dowd matched Nepal's tally with composure under pressure against Karan KC, dragging the match into uncharted territory—a second Super Over.
Super Over II: A Blow-for-Blow Exchange
With fatigue mounting, Captain Rohit Paudel handed the ball to left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi. However, Scott Edwards and O'Dowd smacked 17 runs with two mighty sixes. Nepal replied with grit. Rohit and Dipendra Singh Airee scraped together 17 runs, with Dipendra blasting a last-ball six to once again keep Nepal alive.
Super Over III: Final Twist in the Tale
The drama turned to despair for Nepal in the third Super Over. Rohit was bowled first ball by Jack Lyon-Catchett. Rupesh Singh followed soon after, caught behind as Nepal were skittled for zero—an anticlimactic end to a heroic effort. Levitt then walked in and ended it in a flash, depositing the first ball over the ropes and sealing a famous Dutch victory. Brave Nepal Falter at Final Hurdle Earlier in the match, the Netherlands posted 153, with a disciplined Nepalese bowling unit keeping them in check. Nepal's reply was anchored by Paudel and Bhurtel, but the innings faltered late. It took debutant Yadav's last-ball heroics just to extend the game. Nepal also handed T20I debuts to Kiran Thagunna and all-rounder Rupesh Singh, marking a new generation stepping onto the big stage amid high pressure. What It Means
With this victory, the Netherlands opened their account in the tri-series after an earlier defeat to Scotland, moving to second place in the standings. For Nepal, it was a tough pill to swallow—coming so close in their centurion T20I—but they'll take heart from their spirited display.
