Netherlands hand Thailand its first defeat in tri-series

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 7: Unbeaten Thailand was handed over its first loss of the tri-series on Friday when they faced the Netherlands for the third time in the tournament played across a triple round-robin format.

It was the fifth game of the tri-series for Thailand while the Dutch side was playing its final and sixth game at the Kirtipur-based TU International Cricket Ground on February 6. Thailand had defeated the Dutch side twice in the previous two fixtures of the tri-series and was aiming to keep the winning streak. However, the Netherlands shattered their hopes.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Thailand posted a paltry total of 109/5 in 20 overs. Natthakan Chantham stayed not out at 36 off 46 with Suwanan Khiaoto (10 off 4) to take the team to the score. Chanida Sutthiruang also contributed with 32 off 28.

Iris Zwilling claimed three wickets while Heather Siegers bagged two for the Dutch side.

The Netherlands had a good start to the chase as the top four batters helped the team to 78/4 in 13.5 overs. However, the Dutch side lost five more wickets in the next six overs with none of the batters scoring in double figures. Still, a run for two runs in the final ball by Silver Siegers and Isabel van der Woning helped the Dutch side cruise to their first win over Thailand in the tri-series.

Thipatcha Putthawong, Onnicha Kamchomphu and Phannita Maya bagged four, three and two wickets for Thailand, but the efforts were insufficient in the end. 

Thailand will be facing Nepal on Saturday as the duo will play their final game of the tri-series. While Thailand will be looking to defeat Nepal for the third time, the host will be seriously looking for a consolation win. It will also be the decider of the winner of the tri-series with the Dutch side hoping the home side to defeat Thailand with a good gap to reduce their net run rate; currently, Thailand and Netherlands have eight points each from four wins.