‘Definitely wouldn’t say it was easy’ – Max O’Dowd on narrowly-contested win against Nepal

Max O’Dowd. (Source – Getty Images)

After dismissing Nepal for 106 in 19.2 overs, one would have expected the Netherlands to run away with the match. However, the reality was far from that as the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas witnessed a fiercely-contested game, with one team striving to clinch the win while the other valiantly battling to create a contest out of seemingly insurmountable odds. The Nepalese team, spurred on by their supporters who had turned out in large numbers, tenaciously fought to stay in the game, but could not apply the finishing touches. Eventually, a composed half-century from opener, Max O’Dowd, took the Dutch over the line.

O’Dowd, one of the main architects of the victory, commended his bowlers for their exceptional performance in restricting Nepal to a low score. He emphasised the significance of the win, acknowledging that it was far from easy. Consequently, he admitted that the victory was anything but seamless.

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“I definitely wouldn’t say it was easy and a World Cup win is amazing, any World Cup win is great. And I think our bowlers bowled extremely well to restrict them to 106 but you see, Nepal have so much fight and spirit that they managed to bring it down to what it was. I don’t think it was ever a case of it being an easy win,” stated O’Dowd in the post-match press conference.

Meanwhile, the fixture between the two associate nations showcased the overwhelming presence of Nepalese supporters, who filled the seats and ardently cheered for their team at every moment. The fervent atmosphere reminded the half-centurion of Nepal’s home ground in Kirtipur, the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, renowned for its spirited and passionate ambiance.

O’Dowd, having played five games this year at that venue spanning across the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 and the Nepal Triangular Series, extolled the dedication of the fans. He described it as “a privilege” and a remarkable experience for an associate cricketer to be amidst such enthusiastic crowd. He further noted that this was one of the primary reasons he cherished playing against Nepal.

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“It was very similar to TU (Tribhuvan University International Cricket Stadium). I think there’s probably another 10,000 in TU, so it was a little bit different. But playing in front of fans like that is, I think, a privilege. I think it’s amazing. It’s not something we get to do often as an associate cricketer and that’s why I always love playing against Nepal – in Nepal as well,” added O’Dowd.