Dutch thrash Bermuda

A strong Dutch side was far too much for Bermuda, who slumped to a 172 run defeat in today’s first ODI.

Bermuda captain Irving Romaine won the toss and elected to field, a decision who would soon regret. The opening pair of Alexei Kervezee and Tom De Grooth took the attack to the bowlers, particularly George O’Brien, who sent down eight overs for 64. They added 154 at better than a run a ball, before Kervezee fell to Dwayne Leverock, one of three wickets on the day for Leverock.

After breaking the partnership, Bermuda were able to keep the Dutch middle order relatively quiet. Bas Zuiderent and Peter Borren fell for single figures, and De Grooth was bowled by Ryan Steede, the pick of the bowlers, just three short of a maiden ODI hundred.

Star batsman Ryan Ten Doeschate, and all rounder Mudassar Bukhari then swung things back in the Netherlands’ favour. Batting with urgency, particularly Bukhari, they helped the Dutch to a total above 300, finishing at 315-8.

A total of that size is always imposing, let alone when it is lowly Bermuda chasing. Their response never really get started, as they lost two early wickets, one each to Ten Doeschate and Bukhari, showing their capabilities with the ball after starring with the bat earlier in the day.

Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals and Bermuda were unable to build a substantial partnership. No batsman was able to get in and make a big score either, the highest score for the innings. The Dutch bowlers wrapped up the win with 12 overs to spare, finishing off a clinical performance, to go with their innings victory in the First Class game between the two. Bermuda will play one more match on the tour, another ODI in Rotterdam on Monday.

Netherlands 315-8
Tom De Grooth 97, Alexei Kervezee 62, Mudassar Bukhari 60
Dwayne Leverock 3-58, Irving Romaine 2-27, Ryan Steede 1-35

Bermuda 143
Steven Outerbridge 24
Ryan Ten Doeschate 3-20, Pieter Seelaar 3-30, Geert-Maarten Mol 2-23

Netherlands won by 172 runs