Dutch upset host England in the World T20 opener

England’s worst ever limited overs defeat- that’s what the British press called the England’s 4 wicket defeat against the Netherlands yesterday at Lord’s. The Netherlands skipper Jeroen Smits described as “unbelievable” and “special” their sensational victory over host England in the opening match of the ICC T20 World Cup at Lord’s. “This result speaks for itself, doesn’t it? It’s a huge victory. Without doubt, the biggest day in Dutch cricket history, and now we are looking to qualify for the Super Eights and maybe the semi-finals.“We will all have to get more time away from work – it will cost us a lot of money – but I would love to take some days off.”

Earlier in the day the low key opening ceremony which was planned got canceled because of persistent drizzle but the match started and was a full 20 over game.England started off on a very good note when in form Ravi Bopara hit a full toss for a boundary of Drik Nannes (Who bowled well in the IPL for Delhi Daredevils). For the second time in three days Bopara and Wright put on a century opening partnership  .Bopara played the classier innings, Wright the more muscular. But after reaching 100 off 11 overs England failed to kick on or even maintain their healthy momentum. Bopara had struck 46 from 34 balls when he was caught at long-on in the 12th over. Wright continued to for 71 from 49 balls, with eight fours. But in the absence of Kevin Pietersen there was a shortage of testosterone in the middle order.England ended up just scoring 70 odd runs in the final 10 overs and got a total of 162-5. Interesting point in the Englands innings was that there were no sixes while Netherlands managed get four of them two of them coming of Darron Reekers’s bat.Man-of-the-match Tom de Grooth scored 49 from 30 balls.Helped by the Peter Borren quickfire 30 the game went down to the wire as Netherlands needed 7 runs of last over.The final over’s responsibility was given to Stuart board and There were run out opportunities off three of the final six balls and also a caught and bowled chance for Broad none of which were completed successfully and gave Netherlands their biggest victory.

Now England’s only chance of entering super 8’s is to Pakistan in their next leauge match.