The internationals were still not present, and so once again a young first team was in the field against leader Punjab.
Despite losing by 5 wickets, VCC still qualified for the national championship final at the expense of HBS on the basis of a better net run rate (“goal difference”). Floris de Lange was back as captain, Ryan Klein had to be handed over to the Dutch National Team for the T20s against the United States and Canada.
After a lost toss, VCC was allowed to bat first on the not too large pitch of Punjab in Rotterdam-Zuid.
Openers Nehaan Gigani and Cedric de Lange did their job and gave away few chances.
With 51 runs from the powerplay (that is after 10 overs, until then only two fielders are allowed in the far field) was a fine start.
Unfortunately, it turned out that these two also had the biggest partnership of the day, because after Gigani (28) and De Lange (35) were both caught on scores of 62 and 69, respectively, no one got above an individual score of 20 runs.
Once again, the lack of the “guns” made itself felt.
Small scores did add a little to the total, but after 155 runs and 39 overs it was all out.
Again 11 overs missed the opportunity to score runs.
Among others, former VCCer Kamal hurt the Voorburgers by taking 3 wickets and Minhas even took a fiver (5 wickets).
Punjab did lose two wickets relatively quickly, but the experienced Jonathan Vandiar (65 off 64 balls) showed he still had excellent timing and helped his team by being the proverbial anchor.
Despite captain Floris de Lange still taking his wicket in the 21st over, the damage was done, as Punjab were already on 104 runs.
Shahzad (29 not out) and Shinwari (31 not out) batted patiently and after 27.3 overs the matter was settled. HBS also loses and misses play offs, HCC stumbles against VRA The good news for the Voorburgers, however, came from Schiedam, where Hermes DVS beat the higher-ranked HBS by 121 runs (Reece Mason 46).
As a result, HBS and VCC remained equal in points, but the Voorburgers’ better goal difference was the deciding factor.
The red and blue brigade thus finished in4th place and will next Sunday face third-placed HCC (which did not perform well by going all out with 59 runs against VRA, meaning “de Haagsche” misses out on the chance to play for direct qualification for the final).
VCC will have the internationals available again. Final ranking2nd phase
- Punjab 14-20, 2.
VRA and HCC 14-18, 4.
VCC and HBS 14-15, 6.
Hermes DVS 14-13.
Next week, Punjab and VRA will play for direct qualification to the final, the loser may take on the winner of HCC – VCC a week later for a rematch against the winner of HCC – VCC which will also be played as weekend. Photo: Cedric de Lange was top scorer at VCC (35 runs) – archive photo Catch of the Day BV
