Netherlands Pull Off Historic ODI Chase Against Scotland in ICC World Cricket League 2 Thriller
DUNDEE – In one of the most unbelievable run chases in ODI history, the Netherlands stunned hosts Scotland with a breathtaking four-wicket win, successfully chasing a mammoth target of 370 runs during the ICC Men’s World Cricket League 2 clash at Forthill.
🏏 Max O’Dowd Leads Netherlands to Glory
Max O’Dowd etched his name into the record books with an unbeaten 158 off 130 deliveries, guiding the Dutch to victory with a masterclass in timing, patience, and aggression. His effort helped the Netherlands complete the third-highest successful run chase in ODI history.
📈 Top 10 Highest Successful ODI Chases
| Rank | Date | Team | Target | Score | Opponent | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 Mar 2006 | South Africa | 435 | 438/9 | Australia | Johannesburg | SA won by 1 wicket |
| 2 | 5 Oct 2016 | South Africa | 372 | 372/6 | Australia | Durban | SA won by 4 wickets |
| 3 | 12 Jun 2025 | Netherlands | 370 | 374/6 | Scotland | Forthill, Dundee | NED won by 4 wickets |
🔥 Munsey’s Heroics in Vain
Earlier in the match, Scotland looked poised for victory thanks to a sensational 191-run knock by George Munsey off 150 balls. His innings included 14 fours and 11 sixes, propelling the Scots to a massive 369/6.
Despite this, the Dutch batters showed resilience and depth, turning what seemed an improbable chase into a record-breaking feat.
🔗 Crucial Partnerships That Made History
O’Dowd’s innings was supported by several key contributions:
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111-run stand with Teja Nidamanuru (51 off 42 balls)
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76-run partnership with Noah Croes (50 off 29 balls)
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Finishing touches added by Roelof van der Merwe, who struck the winning runs
At 143/3, the match hung in the balance, but O’Dowd’s presence ensured composure and momentum stayed with the Netherlands throughout the innings.
🚨 Impact on League 2 Standings
This victory gives the Netherlands a significant boost in the ICC World Cricket League 2 standings, enhancing their chances for top-tier qualification. More importantly, it’s a strong reminder of how far associate nations have come, proving that scores nearing 400 are no longer out of reach.
📣 A New Era for Associate Cricket
The game not only showcased Max O’Dowd’s brilliance but also highlighted the competitive evolution of associate cricket. With teams like the Netherlands matching and chasing monumental totals, the gap between Full Members and Associates continues to narrow, offering fans thrilling, high-quality cricket across formats.
