The last match of CWC 2023 Qualifiers turned out to be a hell of a ride, as Bas de Leede carried Netherlands to an insane win over Scotland, making them the tenth and the final team to make it to the tournament that’ll be held in India.
In what was a virtual eliminator, Scotland, batting first, set a target of 278 for the Men in Orange. Though Berrington and co. dominated for the majority of the 2nd innings as well, de Leede single-handedly turned the match in Netherlands’ favor
NED, who had an inferior NRR in comparison to SCO, had to chase the target down inside 44 overs to pip the latter for the last available spot at the showpiece event.
It looked impossible for the Dutch as they once reeled at 108 for 4, with 24 overs already done. However, Bas de Leede then put on a one-man show that’ll be remembered for ages.
The 23-year-old all-rounder batted sensibly to put on a 55-run stand with skipper Edwards, reaching his own fifty in 56 balls.
However, after Edwards fell, he put on a boundary-hitting clinic, plundering 73 runs off the next 36 deliveries.
Tim De Leede – Played in 1996 WC, 2003 WC, 2007 WC.
Bas De Leede – Going to play in 2023 WC.
Father – Son duo making history, Tim De Leede took 4 wickets vs India in 2003 WC including Sachin & Dravid. pic.twitter.com/R0DOpN8ADF
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 6, 2023
Bas de Leede slammed 5 sixes and 7 fours during his 92-ball-123 and was particularly destructive in 41st and 42nd over, off which he plundered 22 and 20 respectively to carry the Netherlands over the line in the most dramatic game of CWC 2023 Qualifiers.
The de Leede destruction was a classful one, and included a cover drive and a straight drive that went for maximums. Scampers for twos after dropping the ball in gaps were also a regular occurrence.
Netherlands all-rounder Bas de Leede registers a 5-fer
The all-rounder also struck 5 times with the ball during the first innings, playing an integral role in limiting Scotland to 278. The Scotts at one stage were 201 for 3, looking set for a 320 plus score.
He was incisive during his first spell where he removed Munsey and a well-set McBride in quick succession. The blonde-locked baby also sent the Scotland skipper packing for 64, before striking twice in his last over to register his first international fifer (5 for 52).
de Leede’s all-round masterclass during the last game of CWC 2023 Qualifiers has made him just the fourth-ever man to achieve the rare combo of a hundred and a 5-fer in the same ODI.
The three players to have done it before him are Sir Vivian Richards, Paul Collingwood and Rohan Mustafa.
