The Netherlands held their nerve in Dubai to beat the UAE by 3 wickets in their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 clash at the ICC Academy Oval 1 on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Chasing 245 for victory, the Dutch reached 245 for 7 in 43.5 overs, with 37 balls to spare, after a superb century from opener Max O’Dowd.
The result was a blow for the home side, who had posted a competitive 244 for 8 thanks to an unbeaten 82 from captain Rahul Chopra. But O’Dowd’s 103 off 79 balls, featuring 10 fours and 5 sixes, set up the chase, and an unbeaten eighth-wicket stand between Michael Levitt and Aryan Dutt finished the job after a late wobble.
Match Summary
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| UAE | 244/8 (50 overs) |
| Netherlands | 245/7 (43.5 overs) |
| Result | Netherlands won by 3 wickets |
| Venue | ICC Academy Oval 1, Dubai |
| Toss | UAE won the toss and chose to bat |
| Player of the Match | Max O’Dowd (103 off 79 balls) |
How the Match Unfolded
The UAE, batting first after winning the toss, were given a solid start by Tanish Suri, who made 40 off 60 balls. But it was the partnership between Chopra and Akshdeep Nath that gave the innings its backbone. Nath struck 68 off 77 balls with 7 fours, while Chopra anchored the innings to the end, finishing unbeaten on 82 off 102 balls with 9 fours.
The Netherlands’ bowling was led by Timm van der Gugten, who claimed 5 wickets for 39 runs in 10 overs, including one maiden. He removed Aryansh Sharma, Muhammad Shahdad, Nath, Basil Hameed and Awais Shah, and his spell kept the UAE from pushing past 250 despite Chopra’s late efforts. Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren and captain Bas de Leede took one wicket each. The pre-match preview of this fixture — UAE vs Netherlands, ICC League 2: Date, Time, Venue, Squads & Where to Watch— had flagged the Dutch bowling depth as a key factor, and it proved decisive.
In reply, the Netherlands lost early wickets but never lost control of the required rate. O’Dowd and Cedric de Lange (23) put on early runs before Khuzaima Bin Tanvir struck twice in quick succession. Khuzaima finished with 4 wickets for 43 runs and briefly dragged the UAE back into the game, reducing the Dutch to 186 for 7. But Levitt, unbeaten on 36 off 50 balls, and Dutt, unbeaten on 36 off 36 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes, stayed calm under pressure and guided the Netherlands home.
Key Performances
- Max O’Dowd (Netherlands): 103 off 79 balls, 10 fours, 5 sixes — Player of the Match.
- Rahul Chopra (UAE): 82 not out off 102 balls, 9 fours — carried the UAE innings from start to finish.
- Akshdeep Nath (UAE): 68 off 77 balls, 7 fours — the key support act for Chopra.
- Timm van der Gugten (Netherlands): 5 wickets for 39 runs in 10 overs — the best bowling figures of the match.
- Khuzaima Bin Tanvir (UAE): 4 wickets for 43 runs — kept the UAE alive in the chase.
- Michael Levitt and Aryan Dutt (Netherlands): both unbeaten on 36 — finished the chase after the late collapse.
What It Means for League 2
The win strengthens the Netherlands’ position near the top of the League 2 table, where they came into this Dubai leg holding third place. For the UAE, the defeat at home is a missed opportunity to close the gap on the sides above them, but Chopra’s form and Khuzaima’s bowling give them positives to take into their remaining fixtures in the tri-series, which also involves Oman.
League 2 remains a tightly contested race, as other recent fixtures in this cycle have shown — including the Canada vs Nepal League 2 ODIand the Oman vs Nepal ICC CWC League Two clash. Every point matters on the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup qualification pathway, and the Netherlands will be pleased to have banked two more with overs to spare.
FAQs
Who won the UAE vs Netherlands League 2 match on 25 October 2026?
The Netherlands won by 3 wickets, chasing down the UAE’s 244 for 8 with 245 for 7 in 43.5 overs.
Who was the Player of the Match?
Max O’Dowd, for his 103 off 79 balls at the top of the Netherlands’ chase.
What did Rahul Chopra score?
The UAE captain finished unbeaten on 82 off 102 balls, with 9 fours.
Who took the most wickets in the match?
Timm van der Gugten, with 5 wickets for 39 runs for the Netherlands.
Where was the match played?
At the ICC Academy Oval 1 in Dubai, on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
What tournament is League 2 part of?
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 2023-27, part of the qualification pathway for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Conclusion
The Netherlands deserved their win. O’Dowd’s century gave the chase its momentum, van der Gugten’s five-wicket haul kept the target within reach, and Levitt and Dutt showed composure when the game threatened to slip away. The UAE will rue letting a promising position slip, but Chopra’s unbeaten 82 and Khuzaima’s four wickets show they can compete with the best sides in League 2. The Dutch, meanwhile, leave Dubai with two more valuable points and growing confidence.
Green Benn is a dedicated sports writer specializing in cricket, including IPL and international formats. Known for clear, engaging, and informative content, Green simplifies complex match analysis and player statistics for all readers. Passionate about sports storytelling, Green delivers reliable, SEO-friendly articles that keep fans updated and informed
