Netherlands upset England in World Twenty20 opener (Lead)
By IANSFriday, June 5, 2009
LONDON - The Netherlands stunned hosts England with a thrilling four-wicket win in the World Twenty20 opener at Lord’s here Friday.
Put into bat first, England made 162 for five after Luke Wright top scored with 71 and Ravi Bopara 46. In reply, the Netherlands scampered to a sensational win in the last ball after Man of the Match Tom de Grooth hit 49 and Peter Borren 30.
Despite putting up a good score, England had to blame themselves for the loss as they paid heavily for sloppy fielding and wayward bowling.
For the Netherlands it was the crucial 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Grooth and Borren that set the pace for a terrific chase for the Dutchmen. Ryan ten Doeschate made a valuable unbeaten 22 to steer his team to victory in the last delivery.
Netherlands needed two runs from the last delivery and an overthrow by Chris Broad off his own bowling in an attempt to run out gave them the winning runs and two valuable points. Had it not been an overthrow, the match could have been tied and had to be decided by the one over eliminator.
Earlier, England despite starting off well with a century run stand between openers Bopara and Wright failed to capitalise on the good start.
