The surprise package of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, it achieved qualification after defeating Scotland by five wickets in the semi-finals.And its victory set up one of the biggest moments in the history of Dutch cricket, as it will play the opening match at the ICC World Twenty20 2009 against England at Lord’s.
They will also face Pakistan at Lord’s, the home of cricket, in what could be a decisive match if the hosts win its opening two games.
One of the key players in the tournament for the Dutch will be Ryan ten Doeschate, an excellent all-rounder who has starred for Essex and Western Province in domestic cricket, and who was instrumental in his side’s qualification for the ICC World Twenty20 2009.
Alex Kervezee has already established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in Associate cricket and has a county contract with Worcestershire, while skipper Peter Borren is also very experienced.
At the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, it recorded a victory over Scotland, although most fans will remember the campaign for Daan van Bunge conceding six sixes in an over off Herschelle Gibbs from South Africa.
Netherlands Team for T20 world cup 2009:
Jeroen Smits (Captian & WicketKeeper)
Peter Borren
Mudassar Buhkari
Tom De Grooth
Maurits Jonkman
Alexei Kervezee
Dirk Nannes
Ruud Nijman
Darren Reekers
Edgar Schiferli
Pieter Seelaar
Eric Szwarczynski
Ryan ten Doeschate
Dan van Bunge
Bas Zuiderent