Kolkata: Ireland beat the Netherlands by six wickets in a group B match of the cricket World Cup at the Eden Gardens.
Ryan ten Doeschate had notched up his second hundred of the World Cup to guide the Netherlands to an imposing 306 all out against Ireland in their concluding group B match.
The 31-year-old, who will make Eden Gardens his home venue when he represents the Kolkata Knight Riders jersey in the Indian Premier League this year, justified his worth with a delightful 106 from 108 balls (13x4, 1x6) to lead the Netherlands recovery with skipper Peter Borren who was equally entertaining with an 82-ball 84 (10x4).
However towards the end, the Dutch exposed their inexperience at this level with four consecutive run-outs in the last over to fold up for 306 in 50 overs in dramatic fashion.
Roped in by the Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL IV, ten Doeschate had on Thursday promised a century at the Eden to set the tone for his stint ahead and he did not disappoint the sparse crowd who cheered for his every boundary and six. After being reduced to 53/3 inside 11 overs, ten Doeschate led the recovery with a 60-run partnership with Wesley Barresi (44) before putting them in a strong position in an entertaining 121-run stand with the skipper.
Put into bat, the Netherlands had a shaky start against their familiar foes with Irish strike bowlers Boyd Rankin and Trent Johnston giving the opening duo of Eric Szwarczynski and Wesley Barresi a tough start.Barresi was dropped on zero at the second slip as the opener took two runs but only to be hit on the back of his neck from a throw. He had to be retired hurt soon after his partner Szwarczynski (1) edged one to Johnston.
The Netherlands were reduced to 53 for three in 10 overs but Ireland failed to capitalise and struggled without left-arm spinner George Dockrell who was taken out after dislocating his right shoulder.PTI
First Published: Friday, March 18, 2011, 17:31