What’s more electrifying than a full-fledged T20 match? A Super Over. Now imagine two more on top of that! Cricket fans at Glasgow’s Titwood ground were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle on Monday as the Netherlands triumphed over Nepal in a nail-biting encounter that extended into a third Super Over—an unprecedented moment in the history of men’s professional cricket.
Historic Feat in T20 Cricket
This high-octane clash between the Netherlands and Nepal marked the first-ever instance in men’s T20I—and indeed in all men’s professional cricket, whether T20 or List A—where a match progressed into a third Super Over, etching itself into cricket folklore.
The Match Unfolds
Batting first, the Netherlands posted a competitive total of 152/7 in their allotted 20 overs. With early wickets courtesy of Ben Fletcher and Kyle Klein, the Dutch appeared to have the upper hand as Nepal stumbled in the initial stages of their chase.
However, a spirited fightback from Nepal’s middle order changed the course of the match. Kushal Bhurtel contributed a quick 34, while skipper Rohit Paudel anchored the innings with a vital 48. The drama intensified in the final over, when tailender Nandan Yadav struck two critical boundaries, including one off the last ball, to tie the scores at 152/8 and push the game into the first Super Over.
Super Over 1: Leveling the Field
In the first Super Over, Bhurtel went berserk, hammering 18 runs off just five balls to set the Dutch a stiff target of 19. The Netherlands responded with composure under pressure. Max O’Dowd kept his nerves intact and sealed a tie with a dramatic six and four off the final two balls, triggering a second Super Over.
Super Over 2: Still No Winner
Batting first again, the Netherlands’ O’Dowd and skipper Scott Edwards accumulated another formidable 17-run total. Nepal’s reply started with a bang—Paudel sent the first ball flying for six, followed by a boundary from Dipendra Singh Airee. With seven needed off the final ball, Airee launched a breathtaking six over the ropes, dragging the game into uncharted territory: a third Super Over.
Super Over 3: Decided at Last
With stakes at an all-time high, Dutch off-spinner Zach Lion-Cachet produced a heroic spell in Nepal’s third Super Over. In a sensational performance, he dismissed two batters in just four balls without conceding a single run, completely silencing Nepal’s batting.
The equation was now simple: the Netherlands needed just one run for victory. Michael Levitt didn’t waste any time. Facing Sandeep Lamichhane, he launched the very first delivery over the boundary for a six, sealing a legendary victory and concluding one of the most thrilling matches ever played.
A Night to Remember
This epic encounter was only the second time in men’s T20I history that a game reached a second Super Over—and the very first to go to a third. For his match-defining spell in the final Super Over, Zach Lion-Cachet was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match.
Scotland, the host nation, is the third team participating in this closely contested T20I tri-series. But for now, all eyes are on the Netherlands and Nepal, who together delivered a cricketing classic that will be talked about for years to come.