Rotterdam Dockers began their European T20 Premier League 2026 campaign in style, defeating Amsterdam Flames by five wickets in the opening match at Sportpark Westvliet. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Dockers restricted Amsterdam to 157/8 before chasing down the target in 18.1 overs. Faf du Plessis was the standout performer, producing a composed 83 to earn the Player of the Match award.

Bas de Leede anchors Amsterdam’s innings

Amsterdam Flames made a brisk start after being sent in, with Max O’Dowd contributing 25 from 15 deliveries, including four boundaries. Yuvraj Samra, however, departed for five as the Dockers began making inroads.

Bas de Leede then took responsibility for the innings and played a superb knock of 75 from 53 balls. His innings featured seven fours and two sixes, providing Amsterdam with much-needed stability through the middle overs. Curtis Campher added 17 from 20 balls, while Scott Edwards chipped in with 17 off 14.

The Flames struggled to build sustained momentum in the closing stages. Tim David and Michael Bracewell could manage only one run apiece, while Tim Pringle and Kyle Klein added four and two respectively. Amsterdam eventually finished on 157/8 after 20 overs.

The Dockers’ bowling attack shared the workload effectively. David Wiese, Anrich Nortje and Roelof van der Merwe picked up two wickets each, while Logan van Beek claimed one. Nortje was particularly economical, conceding only 26 runs from his four overs, while van der Merwe returned impressive figures of 2/21.

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Faf du Plessis sets up comfortable chase

Rotterdam’s chase got off to a slightly uncertain start when Michael Levitt fell for four, but Du Plessis quickly settled into his rhythm. The experienced South African batter combined calculated strokeplay with controlled aggression to keep the required rate under control.

Du Plessis struck seven fours and two sixes during his 55-ball 83, anchoring the chase while wickets fell around him. Ben McDermott made eight before Heinrich Klaasen was dismissed without scoring, briefly giving Amsterdam hope of a turnaround.

Those hopes faded as Ben Manenti produced a valuable 30 from just 18 balls. His three boundaries and six helped accelerate the innings and reduced the pressure on the Dockers’ middle order. David Wiese then provided the finishing push with an unbeaten-looking contribution of 27 from 17 balls, featuring three fours. Saqib Zulfiqar scored one, while Rotterdam completed the chase at 158/5 in 18.1 overs, finishing with 11 balls to spare.

Kyle Klein was Amsterdam’s most successful bowler, claiming three wickets for 34 runs from his four overs. Richard Gleeson also picked up a wicket, but the Flames struggled to contain the Dockers’ batting after Du Plessis established control.

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