Santner, Mitchell cut through Dutch bowlers to claim series 2-0

New Zealand’s European tour, which commenced with a three-Test trip to England back in June, came to conclusion with the series-deciding second T20I in Netherlands.

Yesterday, under Mitchell Santner’s exemplary leadership, the Black Caps won the second and final fixture of the tour to seal the series 2-0. 

Bas de Leede's fifty powers the Dutch to a respectable total

Netherlands won the toss and opted to bat first. However, the decision backfired the hosts as they lost three quick wickets inside eight overs.  

But all-rounder Bas de Leede battled hard in the middle getting ample support from Tom Cooper. These two batters formed a vital 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Cooper was dismissed for 26. 

De Leede exhibited his consistency with the bat

After Cooper's departure, de Leede and keeper-batter Scott Edwards further stitched an unbeaten 46-run stand, taking the hosts to a decent total of 147. 

Michael Bracewell emerged as New Zealand's best bowler, picking two wickets for just 20 runs. 

Mitchell Santner’s run-chase thunder seals series

In response, New Zealand got off to the worst possible start, losing both openers inside the powerplay for just 26 runs. 

However, these dismissals couldn't affect Mitchell Santner and Daryl Mitchell one bit as they smashed their ways through to two blistering unbeaten half centuries. 

Santner played a breathtaking knock

While Mitchell clubbed a 27-ball 51*, skipper Santner smeared 77* from just 42 balls in an innings glittered with nine boundaries and four sixes.

Bas de Leede shone with the ball too, picking one wicket for 13 runs in his two overs. 

Brief scores:

Netherlands: 147/4 (20)

Bas de Leede 53* (48), Tom Cooper 26 (17);

Michael Bracewell 2/20 (4), Ish Sodhi 1/24 (3)

New Zealand: 149/2 (14)

Mitchell Santner 77* (42), Daryl Mitchell 51* (27)

Bas de Leede 1/13 (2), Tim Pringle 1-16 (2)

New Zealand won by 8 wickets. 

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