O'Dowd century powers Netherlands to thrilling win over UAE
MAX O'Dowd smashed a brilliant century as the Netherlands survived a middle-order collapse to clinch a three-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates with 37 balls to spare.
Chasing 245 for victory, O'Dowd blasted 103 from just 79 deliveries, including ten fours and five sixes, to put the Dutch firmly in control.
He dominated an opening partnership of 102 with Cedric de Lange (23), racing to his half-century from just 33 balls as the Netherlands plundered 93 without loss in the opening powerplay.
However, UAE fought back through Khuzaima Tanveer, who claimed four for 43, as the Netherlands slipped from 102 without loss to 166 for six. O'Dowd was fourth out at 157, having reached his century from just 76 deliveries, and suddenly the contest was back in the balance.
When Timm van der Gugten was run out, the Dutch were struggling on 186 for seven, still requiring 59 runs. However, Michael Levitt and Aryan Dutt held their nerve, sharing an unbroken eighth-wicket partnership of 59 to seal victory in the 44th over. Both finished unbeaten on 36, Dutt striking three fours and three sixes in his 36-ball innings.
Earlier, UAE had recovered from 73 for three to post 244 for eight, thanks largely to captain Rahul Chopra and Akshdeep Nath. Chopra anchored the innings with an unbeaten 82 from 102 balls, including nine boundaries, while Nath contributed a valuable 68 from 77 deliveries.
The pair shared a century partnership before Chopra temporarily retired hurt, returning later to complete his innings. Van der Gugten was the outstanding Netherlands bowler, returning excellent figures of five for 39 from his ten overs, including a maiden.
O'Dowd deservedly collected the Player of the Match award for his destructive century, which ultimately proved decisive despite the spirited UAE fightback.
Summary Score: UAE 244/8 (50 overs; R Chopra 82\*, A Nath 68, T van der Gugten 5-39) lost to Netherlands 245/7 (43.5 overs; M O'Dowd 103, M Levitt 36\*, A Dutt 36\*, K Tanveer 4-43) by three wickets.