After a stinging defeat against Scotland, the Netherlands returned to Titwood with renewed energy, facing Nepal in the second match of the 2025 T20I Tri-Nation Series. In a high-stakes game under cloudy Scottish skies, Dutch openers Max O’Dowd and Michael Levitt walked to the crease with one goal: redemption.
Nepal’s captain Rohit Paudel won the toss and chose to field, hoping overcast conditions and a soft pitch would favor his pace bowlers. However, the opening overs told a different story. O’Dowd wasted no time asserting himself, racing to 24 off just 11 deliveries. By the end of the third over, the Netherlands were cruising at 36 without loss, setting the tempo early.
Strong start for the dutch after early series setback
The Dutch team entered this game following a disappointing loss to Scotland on June 15, where they failed to chase down 160 and collapsed for 121. Today, however, their aggressive intent was visible from the first ball. Levitt supported O’Dowd well with clever rotations and a boundary of his own, while Nepal’s new ball bowlers Nandan Yadav and Karan KC struggled to find movement.
Nepal’s tactic of exploiting early swing conditions seemed ineffective as both batsmen negotiated the first few overs without any real threat. Their intent was clear—to build a foundation for a total that could pressure Nepal’s inconsistent batting lineup. Live match updates confirmed by Cricbuzz.
Netherlands field revised squad with strategic spin depth
The Dutch squad heading into this tri-series was not the same as their ODI roster. Coach Ryan Cook brought in Daniel Doram, a left-arm spinner, and Saqib Zulfiqar, a leg-spinner, in place of Shariz Ahmad and Wesley Barresi. The strategic rotation highlights the team’s intent to balance pace and spin, particularly in UK conditions where weather and pitch demand variation.
The squad also features key players like Scott Edwards (captain and wicketkeeper), Roelof van der Merwe, Teja Nidamanuru, and the in-form Max O’Dowd, who recently broke the record for the highest ODI score by a Netherlands player with 158 not out. Squad details confirmed according to KNCB Official
Nepal’s rising strength tested in associate cricket’s proving ground
Nepal entered this fixture on a wave of confidence, having impressed in recent ICC events. Their bowling has grown more disciplined, and their young captain Paudel has brought clarity and stability to the lineup. Yet, they face an uphill challenge against a Dutch side hungry to avoid a losing streak.
With spinners like Sandeep Lamichhane and steady pacers such as Sompal Kami, Nepal has tools to counterattack—but the opening Dutch onslaught forced them into a reactive stance.
Nepal’s recent improvements are undeniable, but their lack of penetration during the powerplay exposed a lingering gap in experience at this level. If their bowlers fail to pick wickets in the middle overs, chasing any target above 160 will prove difficult.
Tri-nation series structure and global qualifiers implications
The Glasgow Tri-Nation series includes six T20 matches from June 15 to 20. Each of the three teams—Scotland, Nepal, and the Netherlands—will face the others twice. Every match serves as a litmus test ahead of the T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers, where all three teams aim to punch their ticket to the main event.
With the Netherlands already one down and Nepal just beginning their campaign, today’s outcome holds weight. A second loss for the Dutch could damage their net run rate and morale heading into the rematch against Scotland on June 18, according to KNCB.
what comes next for both sides
As of the latest update, the Netherlands were at 49 for 0 in 4.5 overs. O’Dowd had crossed 30 runs with a blistering strike rate while Levitt steadied the other end. If the pair continues without losing a wicket until the 10th over, a score nearing 190 is possible.
Nepal, on the other hand, must bank on Lamichhane’s spin and middle-overs squeeze to restrict the total. If the Dutch post a 180+ target, Nepal’s top order—led by Aasif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel—will face immense pressure on a pitch that turns late in the innings.
The Netherlands arrived in Glasgow needing answers. After their opening failure, today’s match against Nepal offers a chance at course correction. For Nepal, this match is an opportunity to solidify their credentials against a top associate rival. In a format where momentum can change in a single over, both teams know what’s at stake.
For now, the Dutch are ahead, but Nepal’s resilience has surprised before. This match is far from over—and with ICC qualification looming, every run and wicket counts.
