Netherlands beat USA with thrilling comeback win in World Cup League 2 clash

The Netherlands secured a thrilling victory over the USA in a crucial fifty-over match of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2.

Chasing a target of 237, the USA appeared to be on course for a comfortable win, with Milind Kumar anchoring the innings. However, Kumar's dismissal, caught off Kyle Klein, triggered a collapse as the American lower order failed to see the chase through.

Earlier, the USA had opted to field first. Michael Levitt opened the scoring with a boundary, but his stay was short-lived as he was bowled behind his legs by Juanoy Drysdale.

The Netherlands started solidly, with Vikram Singh showcasing his skill with two well-timed backfoot drives. Vikram and Max O'Dowd put on a strong partnership, reaching 103 runs for the second wicket before O'Dowd was bowled for 49.

Vikram Singh soon followed, dismissed for 59, as the Dutch stumbled to 137/5. However, a crucial 69-run partnership between captain Scott Edwards and Shariz Ahmad helped the Netherlands recover, finishing their innings at 237/7. Milind Kumar was the pick of the bowlers for the USA, taking 2-40.

In reply, the USA's innings started poorly with Viv Kingma striking early, trapping Steven Taylor LBW in the first over, and Monank Patel caught brilliantly by Shariz Ahmad. Despite the shaky start, the USA reached 48/2 by the end of the first Powerplay. Smit Patel added 38 before falling LBW to Shariz Ahmad, while Aaron Jones was dismissed for 47 after a spectacular diving catch by Kyle Klein.

As the game reached a tense climax, tight Dutch bowling increased the required run rate. The partnership between Milind Kumar and Shayan Jahangir added 42 valuable runs, but the Dutch bowlers continued to apply pressure. Aryan Dutt dismissed Jahangir, and Kyle Klein provided a crucial breakthrough by catching top-scorer Kumar for 69.

With the pressure mounting, the USA needed 22 runs off the last two overs, but the Dutch bowlers held their nerve. Van Meekeren took the final wicket, bowling the USA out for 218, sealing a 19-run win for the Netherlands.

This victory propels the Netherlands to second place in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 standings, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.