Myburgh helps Netherlands hold on for a draw

The ICC Intercontinental Cup clash between Ireland and Netherlands ended in a draw on Friday (August 18) after four days of see-sawing action at Malahide in Dublin.

Netherlands, set a steep target of 343 runs on the final day of the contest, finished on 186 for 4 after Ireland declared its second innings on 240 for 7. In the first innings, Netherlands had scored 375 in response to Ireland's 477 for 6 declared, largely powered by Andy Balbirnie's splendid double ton.

Resuming on its overnight score of 167 for 4, Ireland continued to build its lead through William Porterfield's solid knock of 108. Kevin O' Brien (58 off 49 balls) chipped in with a quick half-century to lend Porterfield support, before Netherlands knocked down a few wickets in quick succession to put a break on Ireland's progress.

O'Brien, the aggressor in the partnership, hit five boundaries and two sixes while Porterfield held up the other end with solid resistance. Wesley Baressi finally got rid of Porterfield in the 50th over, caught by Fred Klassen, the substitute fielder.

Five balls later, Simi Singh (0) edged Quirijn Gunning to Tobias Visee behind the stumps. It was Gunning who effected another dismissal, running O'Brien out, to make Ireland slip from 226 for 4 to 238 for 7.

Ireland declared after the 52nd over, setting Netherlands the challenge of batting out the remaining overs in the day.

But Netherlands' progress was jolted by Baressi's exit in the first over itself, trapped leg before by Tim Murtagh.

Stephan Myburgh and Daniel ter Braak then got together to stabilise Netherlands with a 107-run partnership for the second wicket. But just when it looked like Netherlands could afford to attack, Ter Braak was bowled by Simi for 23 in the 32nd over. Seven overs later, Myburgh (85 off 98) was caught behind by Wilson off Jacob Mulder, the legspinner.

Just like it panned out during Ireland's second dig, one wicket led to another with Saqib Zulfiqar, the No. 5 batsman, departing for five after being caught behind by Wilson off Simi's bowling.

The experienced duo of Peter Borren (25 n.o.) and Ben Cooper (37 n.o.) saw off the remaining 32.4 overs without any further hiccups, earning their side a draw.