Netherlands and Hong Kong qualify for the 2016 ICC World Twenty20

Netherlands batsmen are thrilled after clinching victory against Namibia

Netherlands and Hong Kong have booked their place in the ICC World Twenty20 to be held in India next year. They join the hosts Ireland and Scotland as the teams to have gained qualification so far in the qualifier tournament.

The Dutch edged out Namibia in the 2nd qualifying play-off at Malahide, managing to come out on top in a low-scoring affair despite a brilliant comeback by the African nation. Netherlands were on top for most of the match, aided by an explosive start. Bowling first, Netherlands dismissed both Namibia openers, including the dangerous Gerrie Snyman, with only five runs on the board. Snyman went back to the pavillion without facing a single ball as he was run out while Stephen Baard skied a bowl to be caught for just 4 runs.

Craig Williams and Raymond van Schoor though resurrected Namibia’s innings with a 57-run stand for the third wicket, before both batsmen were dismissed for quick succession. Williams top-scored for the Dutch with 43 and after Van Schoor was dismissed for 16, the batsmen that followed failed to step up the scoring rate, with only 30 runs scored in the six overs from number 11 to 16.

It was skipper Nicolas Scholz who managed to bring some respectability to the Namibian total with a quickfire knock of 37 from 23 balls. Peter Borren, Pieter Seelaar and Van Der Gugten were the pick of the bowlers for the European nation as they restricted their opposition to just 133 in their 20 overs.

The score was never going to be enough and it looked like the Netherlands were going to chase it down easily after a blistering start by Stephan Myburg. The opener smashed six boundaries to the fence in his knock of 31 from just 18 balls. Bernard Scholtz though managed to bring his side back into the contest with a brilliant spell of 3 for 15 in his four overs.

He earned the Man of the Match award for his display, but it went in vain as the Dutch were able to cross the line in the final over. Michael Swart held the innings together and with some useful contributions down the order, the Dutch were able to secure a four-wicket victory.

Chapman & Hayat the heroes as Hong Kong beat Afghanistan

Hong Kong secured their place in the World Twenty20 with an upset victory against Afghanistan, thanks to a brilliant chase. It was their first win against their opposition in seven attempts. Hong Kong needed 16 runs off the final over and Chapman was the hero as they managed to surpass Afghanistan’s score of 161 in the final ball. Nawroz Mangal top scored for Afghanistan with 53, but Mark Chapman with 40 of 25 balls and Babar Hayat with 20 of 9 balls created a moment of history seeing Hong Kong through.