Netherlands cricket gets Associate Member Men's Performance of the Year award

With performance in the 50-over Cricket World Cup (CWC) to boot along with their wins over West Indies and Scotland in the CWC qualifying stages, Netherlands were awarded the ‘ICC Associate Member Men’s Performance of the Year’.  

“The national men’s team had an incredible year in 2023, first by qualifying in Zimbabwe for the World Cup and then by strong performances in the World Cup itself by beating South Africa and Bangladesh," Monica Visser, Chief Executive of KNCB (Royal Dutch Cricket Federation) was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

It was a successful 2023 for cricket’s Oranje, qualifying for ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 thanks to surprising victories over West Indies and Scotland, before beating Bangladesh and South Africa at the tournament later in the year.

“It was an amazing experience, triggered by a clear philosophy and the result of hard work from (Head Coach) Ryan Cook and his staff as well as the players’ commitment and aspirations. Playing in the World Cups has inspired many. The performances of our national teams, men and women, have boosted the growth of Dutch cricket,” said Monica.

Cook paid tribute to support staff.

“Credit must go to support staff and coaches, who worked silently in the cold weather… and leading into the season, sort of put the team together, the way they gelled and came together as one unit,” said Cook.

“I think in the game against West Indies, we were under pressure from the get-go. They put on a huge score,” said Cook.     

Bas de Leede was one of their standout performers during this period, notably in the Qualifier in Zimbabwe, as his 92-ball 123, following figures of five for 52 with the ball, saw them beat Scotland and overhaul their opponents’ net run-rate to clinch a place in India.

Prior to that, the Netherlands had beaten the West Indies in the game of the tournament, with Logan van Beek hitting a record 30 runs in a Super Over for what proved a crucial victory.

“We knew what was needed going into it and the belief in the group was that we were capable of putting in some very good performances in a short space of time,” De Leede was quoted as saying by ICC.

“There were some doubts maybe, but mostly belief was the big thing. We were trying to tell ourselves in the group that it was possible and then we were planning how we were going to do it. That West Indies game is No.1. It was 375 to chase and to not get a single off the last ball but win off the Super Over like that, what Logan did that day was very special.

“After a game like that against West Indies, it would be nice to be qualified already, but that wasn’t the case.

“It was the same against Scotland, we knew what was needed. The net run-rate, batting second was handy. To put in a performance again, when it mattered, was special for us as a team. For myself, it was one of the better days on a cricket field.”

In India, during the CWC, Netherlands defeated both South Africa and Bangladesh.

As the sole associate nation in India, De Leede explained how important it was for the team to perform against full members.

 “It was amazing to be at the World Cup. As associate nations, I think we represent each other on the big stage. To do that for the other associate nations was pretty cool. We’ve always had a belief that we were good enough so to actually be there was a special moment,” said De Leede.

“It was six or seven weeks of cricket against the best nations in the world and it is something that will probably only happen once in my life so I was very grateful for that opportunity.”

 

Netherlands cricket, T20, World Cup, ICC awards