SYLHET, Bangladesh — Stephan Myburgh smashed the second fastest 50 in Twenty20s to launch Netherlands past a stunned Ireland and Zimbabwe into the main draw of the World Twenty20 on Friday.
The underestimated Dutch had to chase down Ireland’s mammoth 189-4 in 14.2 overs to qualify. They zoomed there in 13.5, blasting more than 15 runs per over in an exhilarating match.
Myburgh struck 63 off 23 balls, hitting four boundaries and seven sixes to begin Netherlands’ blitz. Twice, Myburgh hit three successive sixes. He and captain Peter Borren, a sedate 31 off 25, opened the chase with 91 after six overs.
Myburgh brought up his 50 off 17 balls to emulate Ireland’s Paul Stirling against Afghanistan in 2012. India’s Yuvraj Singh holds the record with a 12 ball-50 against England in the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007.
Tom Cooper picked up after Myburgh departed by whacking four straight sixes before he was out for 45 off 15 balls.
Wesley Barresi, 40 not out off 22 balls, finished off the Irish with dot-6-dot-4 and a final six over deep mid-wicket to seal the deal in unbelievable fashion.
Netherlands, with the same 2-1 record as Zimbabwe and Ireland, beat them on run rate to qualify for Group 1 with Sri Lanka, South Africa, New Zealand and England. Its first match is against Sri Lanka on Monday.
For Ireland, Andrew Poynter hit 57, skipper William Porterfield 47, and Kevin O’Brien was not out on 42.