Netherlands strike after setting PNG 305

Timm van der Gugten returned figures of 6 for 29, as Netherlands bowled Papua New Guinea out for 128 in the first innings to take firm control of their Intercontinental Cup game in Amstelveen. PNG's last four wickets could add only 25 runs to their overnight score of 103 before being bowled out in 48.4 overs. Middle-order batsman Mahuru Dai, with 26, was the team's highest run-getter.

With a lead of 81 in hand, Netherlands were reduced to 17 for 3 inside eight overs of their second innings after early strikes from Willie Gavera and Loa Nou. However, a 65-run, fourth-wicket partnership between Michael Rippon and Wesley Barresi provided a recovery, taking the team to 82 before Mahuru Dai removed Rippon.

Netherlands once again lost quick wickets and were precariously placed at 110 for 7, but van der Gugten followed up his good showing with the ball by sharing an 83-run stand with Paul van Meekeren, eventually helping the team make 223. PNG's right-arm seamers Gavera and John Reva picked up seven scalps between them while Nou and Dai landed a wicket each.

Chasing 305, PNG lost Tony Ura for 13 in the eighth over, with van Meekeren providing the breakthrough. Ura's opening partner Lega Siaka was lively and struck 11 fours during his 37-ball 49 but was dismissed off the last ball of the day by offspinner Max O'Dowd. PNG went to stumps at 66 for 2, still needing another 239 runs for victory.