Max O’Dowd on narrowly-contested win against Nepal

One of the key players in the triumph, Max O’Dowd, praised his bowlers for their outstanding work in keeping Nepal’s total low. He acknowledged that it was not an easy victory but highlighted its importance. As such, he conceded that the triumph was far from perfect.

It was predicted that the Netherlands would easily win the match after dismissing Nepal for 106 in 19.2 overs. In actuality, though, the game at Dallas’ Grand Prairie Stadium was intensely competitive, with one team trying to secure the victory and the other heroically attempting to make a contest out of what appeared to be overwhelming odds. The Nepalese team put forth a valiant effort to stay in the game with the help of their enthusiastic fans, but they were unable to win it. In the end, Max O’Dowd’s cool half-century helped the Dutch cross the finish line.

“I wouldn’t say it was simple, because winning the World Cup is fantastic—winning the World Cup is fantastic. And while I believe our bowlers did a fantastic job of keeping them at 106, Nepal has such strong will and determination that they were able to reduce the score to what it was. In the news conference following the game, O’Dowd said, “I don’t think it was ever a case of it being an easy win.”

Throughout the match between the two associate countries, Nepalese fans were overwhelmingly present, packing the stands and passionately applauding for their side throughout. The intense environment brought to mind the half-century of Nepal’s home stadium, the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur, which is well-known for its lively and ardent atmosphere.

Playing in five games this year between the Nepal Triangular Series and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, Max O’Dowd praised the passion of the supporters. He called being in the company of such a passionate audience “a privilege” and a unique experience for an associate cricketer. He went on to say that this was among the main reasons he enjoyed playing against Nepal.

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The TU (Tribhuvan University International Cricket Stadium) was very similar to it. It was slightly different because, in my opinion, there are still 10,000 in TU. However, I consider it an honour to perform for such an audience. It seems incredible to me. Since we don’t get to play against Nepal very often as associate cricketers, I always enjoy doing so in Nepal as well,” Max O’Dowd continued.