PNG struggle after keeping Netherlands to 209

Fast bowler Timm van der Gugten's 4 for 18 helped Netherlands gain the upper hand over Papua New Guinea on the first day of their Intercontinental Cup game in Amstelveen.

PNG were reeling at 103 for 6 at stumps in reply to Netherlands' 209. Quirijn Gunning took the first wicket for Netherlands, in the second over, after which van der Gugten's quick strikes reduced PNG to 36 for 4 in 9 overs.

A 37-run fifth-wicket stand between Mahuru Dai and Charles Amini took them past 70 before Paul van Meekeren removed Amini for 19. PNG went on to lose Dai as well, for 26, before crossing 100. Captain Jack Vare (15*) and John Reva (5*) brought the trail down to 106 runs by the end of the day.

Earlier, Netherlands were asked to bat and put on 37 runs for the opening stand before right-arm pacer Loa Nou dismissed Stephan Myburgh in the 10th over. Strikes from Willie Gavera, John Reva and Nou left the home side on 109 for 5 by the 30th over.

Nou completed his five-wicket haul and reduced Netherlands to 117 for 7. A 63-run eighth-wicket stand between van Meekeren (34) and Pieter Seelaar (31) took them to 180 before being bowled out in 64.4 overs.