Netherlands secure Men's T20 World Cup place by crushing UAE

After reducing the UAE to 9 for 5 in the Powerplay, Ryan Campbell's side romped to an eight-wicket play-off victory

The Netherlands have become the third side to secure their place at next year's Men's T20 World Cup with a resounding win in the qualifier tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

Having only missed out on topping their group and directly booking their place on net run rate, a dominant eight wicket victory in their playoff encounter with the hosts has ensured Ryan Campbell's side will join Papua New Guinea and Ireland at the flagship tournament in Australia next October.

"We came out on the big stage and showed exactly how good Dutch cricket is," said Campbell.

"There were times in [the pre-tournament series in] Oman and leading in where it was very easy to think this can't happen, but we stuck together, we regrouped, and today we showed just how good we are."

"We came out on the big stage and showed exactly how good Dutch cricket is." – Netherlands coach Ryan Campbell to his side before they broke out into their team song! pic.twitter.com/NLkUWqHu9M

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 29, 2019

After home captain Ahmed Raza won the toss and elected to bat, his side was thrown into chaos within minutes as they fell to 9 for 5 in the fifth over. Against a Dutch seam attack including Kent's Fredrick Klaassen and former Somerset bowler Paul van Meekeren, UAE hopes were immediately dashed by their top five batsmen sharing six runs from 19 balls between them.

Brandon Glover went on to claim figures of 4 for 12 from his four overs, restricting the host nation – recently rocked by the suspension of four players following anti-corruption investigations, including captain Mohammad Naveed – to a total of 80 in their 20 overs. A steady chase was completed with 29 balls to spare, led by an unbeaten 41 from opener Ben Cooper.

Namibia and Oman will face off in the second playoff game later this afternoon, with the winner again securing qualification for next year's tournament.

The Dutch will now play Ireland at the Dubai International Stadium in Friday's first semi-final, while the host nation must regroup quickly ahead of a last chance clash against Scotland at the same ground tomorrow. 

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