Cricket: Holland vs. England

Friday 5 June 2009

England faces the chance of being thrown out of their own party at the very first stage of the World Twenty20 after a humiliating defeat by Holland in the opening match. England must now beat Pakistan in their remaining group match and hope they can squeeze through on net run rate. If they fail they will perhaps be looking at some warm-down matches over the next few days. Holland beat England before in 1989 and 1993, but both games were essentially hit-and-giggle matches. This time the only giggling came from Australia and Pakistan camps as England were fairly beaten by one of the three qualifiers in their worst ever one-day defeat.

Before the match a lot of people were disappointed to see England, a full member of the ICC, play against Holland, an associate member. Everyone thought that England versus Pakistan would have been a much more attractive competition opener. At first this World20 launcher was one that few people wanted to watch. The rain did not help and the cancellation of the opening ceremony did not either. First it was delayed, then cancelled and finally it was decided to only carry on with some long and boring speeches.

England was looking to get up to 170-180, but Holland bowled well at the back end of England’s innings and England should have defended a total like that, but unfortunately Holland was better on that day.
In the end it was England’s 162-5 to Holland’s 163-6. Holland won by four wickets.

I was very surprised when I saw on tv that Holland had won, I did not even know Holland had a national cricket team. England is usually a very strong team, therefor I was very surprised Holland won from them.