In a historic T20 encounter never before seen in men’s professional cricket, the Netherlands edged past Nepal in an extraordinary match that required three super overs to decide a winner.
The contest — part of the ongoing T20 tri-series in Scotland — marked the first time any men’s List A or T20 match has gone to a third super over. Ultimately, Michael Levitt sealed the Dutch victory in stunning fashion by launching the very first ball of the final over for six.
The drama began with the Netherlands setting a competitive 152-7. They appeared in control until Nepal’s lower-order batter Nandan Yadav struck two crucial boundaries in the final over — including one off the last ball — to tie the scores and force the first super over.
Kushal Bhurtel lit up the reply with a blistering 18 from five deliveries, setting Nepal a strong chance. However, Dutch opener Max O’Dowd held his nerve, smashing the final two balls for a six and a four to match Nepal’s total and push the match into a second super over.
O’Dowd continued his heroics with a six, joined by captain Scott Edwards who also cleared the ropes as the Netherlands posted 17 batting first. But once again, Nepal refused to back down — Dipendra Singh Airee striking Kyle Klein’s final ball for six to bring about an unprecedented third super over.
This time, the Dutch found their breakthrough. Off-spinner Zach Lion-Cachet delivered a perfect over, taking two wickets in four balls without conceding a run to finally stall Nepal’s momentum.
With only one run required, Levitt wasted no time, dispatching Sandeep Lamichhane’s first ball for a towering six to end one of the most thrilling contests in T20 history.
The Netherlands will now enjoy a brief respite after their unforgettable win, while Nepal must regroup quickly as they face hosts Scotland on Tuesday.