Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 9 (IANS) Left-arm spinner Pieter Seelaar had his moment of glory during the Netherlands’ World Cup contest against India here Wednesday. Seelaar out-thought batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, a prized scalp for any bowler.

Seelaar was ecstatic after he planned Tendulkar’s dismissal. The batting legend, who scored 27, was in fine touch, but came down the track to charge Seelaar (3-53) in the 10th over and found Bradley Kruger at long off.

Thanks to Seelaar’s three quick strikes in the first 10 over, India were reduced to 99 for four, but that couldn’t help the Dutch create an upset. Seelaar, however, realised his dream of picking up the best batsman in the world.

Asked which one of the three dismissals he enjoyed most, Seelaar replied “Oh Tendulkar mate, anyday.”

“He is the best batsman in the world and getting him out is very special. I don’t remember what I was doing on the field after taking his wicket, but it was special.

“I definitely had a plan for Sachin. I saw him play George Dockrell against Ireland and he looked comfortable against the pace at which he was bowling. The idea was to bowl at a slower pace to Sachin.”

Netherlands captain Peter Borren was all praise for Seelaar for giving them a chance against India.

“We were in the game when India were 99/4. Thanks to him (Seelaar) that we got that opportunity. But India has such a strong batting line up.”

“We are happy with our performance. We lost big against South Africa and West Indies and the idea was to put up an improved performance here. We did well with the bat in the beginning, then lost quick wickets and then added some runs in the end. I thought we were 60 runs short.

“India got off to a good start and we came back in the game. So it was a roller coaster ride for us. But we gave ourselves a chance and probably when we get that chance in the next two games against Ireland and Bangladesh we can capitalise on them.”

Asked to assess South Africa, West Indies and India, who they have played against, Borren said: “I think one big difference was that West Indies had fast bowler Kemar Roach and South Africa had Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. It is difficult for us to play such pace. Zaheer Khan is a quality bowler, but he does not bowl at that pace. For us it (pace) is a big difference.”