In a sensational cricket spectacle, the Netherlands defeated Nepal in Glasgow during the first-ever Triple Super Over T20I in men’s professional cricket. The epic contest featured dramatic twists, unforgettable performances, and a final six that sealed the fate of this historic battle.
Cricketing History Rewritten: The First Triple Super Over T20I Ever Played
In a thrilling tapestry of firsts, Glasgow witnessed a surreal cricketing tale as the Netherlands defeated Nepal in a fierce match that spilled into the unexplored waters of a third Super Over—an event never before seen in the history of men’s professional cricket, whether it be List A or T20. The Dutch emerged triumphant in a match defined by relentless twists and ferocious resolve.
This clash rewrote cricket’s script—a T20I where neither 20 overs nor a solitary Triple Super Over T20I could break the deadlock. An encore was required after the first tie resulted in a Super Over, which also ended in a deadlock. The encore became a trilogy. For the first time, three Super Overs (Triple Super Over T20I) unspooled in a single match, with the final chapter penned in bold by the Netherlands.
Nepal’s Last-Over Heroics Drag the Game into Extra Time
As Nepal approached the precipice of victory, needing 16 runs in the final over of regulation play, Nandan Yadav orchestrated a blitzkrieg against Kyle Klein—dispatching him for 4, 2, 2, and another 4—dragging the game into its first surge of extra drama.
Daniel Doram, the Netherlands’ left-arm orthodox maestro, was summoned for the initial Triple Super Over T20I. Despite a sterling spell earlier—conceding only 14 runs in four overs and scalping three—Doram was marauded for 19 runs this time. Kushal Bhurtel dismantled him with dual sixes and a venomous four. However, Michael Levitt retaliated with a monumental six, followed by Max O’Dowd’s imperious 6 and 4 — leveling the score again and birthing a second Super Over.
Netherlands Hold Their Nerve in Back-to-Back Super Overs
The same thing happened to Lalit Rajbanshi next; two of his deliveries were hurled into the audience. Still, he rallied, limiting the Netherlands to 17. In reply, Dipendra Singh Airee skillfully weaved a four, and Rohit Paudel smashed a six off the opening ball. Seven were needed from the final ball, and Airee answered with a sublime blow over cow corner, etching this contest deeper into lore by invoking a Triple Super Over T20I.
Zach Lion-Cachet and Levitt Seal Victory in a Nerve-Wracking Final Over(Triple Super Over T20I)
Off-spinner Zach Lion-Cachet assumed the burden of the unprecedented third over. With steely precision, he struck twice, removing both Paudel and debutant Rupesh Singh, leaving Nepal floundering without a single run on the board. Calm amidst the frenzy, Levitt took the mantle and elegantly lifted Sandeep Lamichhane over long-on for six, delivering the coup de grâce.
Earlier in the clash, while defending 152, debutant paceman Ben Fletcher made an emphatic arrival, casting Lokesh Bam aside with a canny full-wide snare. Klein then scalped Anil Sah at mid-on, reducing Nepal to 9 for 2 by the third over’s dawn. However, Bhurtel and Paudel mounted a spirited counterstrike.
With a blinding burst, Nepal raced to 52 for 2 in five overs. But Doram returned to halt the storm, ending Bhurtel’s rapid 34. As powerplay flames dimmed, Doram assumed full command, removing Airee and then Kiran Thagunna. With just five overs left, Nepal faced a steep 56-run hill after being tied at 97 for 5 after 15 overs. Rupesh briefly reignited hope with a four and a six but fell prematurely. The duel continued throughout overtime as Paudel and Karan KC attempted to save the pursuit.
Nandan Yadav started for Nepal during the Netherlands’ innings, but O’Dowd’s double boundaries hit him hard right away. Karan KC was lofted beyond the ropes in a display of fearless tempo. However, the insertion of spin tilted the narrative.
Lamichhane’s Spell and Zulfiqar’s Blows Highlight a Rollercoaster Battle
Rajbanshi’s very first ball proved venomous, sending O’Dowd packing. Lamichhane entered post-powerplay and swiftly disassembled Levitt’s stumps. His magic didn’t stop there—four deliveries later, he lured skipper Scott Edwards into a trap at deep square leg. The wizard struck again, dispatching Noah Croes and shifting momentum in Nepal’s favor.
Yet, Saqib Zulfiqar’s late flurry—a medley of timely boundary strokes—propelled the Dutch to a formidable total, pushing the contest into the pantheon of cricket’s most surreal epics.
