| Scores | Upcoming | Results |
Rotterdam: Stephan Myburgh and Ahsan Malik, who had played key roles in the first T20, were at the forefront of another Netherlands win, the 18-run victory in Rotterdam helping the hosts wrap up the four-match series with one game to spare.
After electing to bat at Hazelaarweg in Rotterdam, Netherlands rode on an unbeaten 71 from Stephan Myburgh, the opener, to post 149 for 6 in 20 overs.
Ahsan Malik, the right-arm medium pacer, then returned match-winning figures of 4 for 21 in four overs to keep the visitor down to 131 for 9 in 20 overs.
Nepal struck after a run-a-ball 37-run opening stand when Karan KC, the right-arm pacer, took a catch off his own bowling to dismiss Rahil Ahmed for 13.
Nepal kept striking at regular intervals thereafter, not allowing a big partnership to build. But Myburgh did a commendable job of holding one end up. That a 9-ball 19 by Peter Borren, the captain, was the next best score, meant Myburgh was left to do the heavy lifting.
Timm van der Gugten scored a few quick runs, hitting a six and a four to be unbeaten on 12 off five balls and gave the innings good thrust in the end. Myburgh finished with five boundaries and two sixes to his name.
Nepal lost Sagar Pun early as he was run out for 5. But Subash Khakurel (14) and Gyanendra Malla (17) somewhat steadied proceedings, taking the score to 42 for 1 before the latter was caught off Thijs van Schelven. Khakurel and Binod Bhandari too departed in quick succession and at 59 for 4, Nepal was in all sorts of trouble.
Paras Khadka, the captain who top-scored with 36, led the recovery in the company of Sharad Vesawkar (24) through a sixth-wicket partnership worth 48 - the highest of the innings. But Malik had Vesawkar caught to end the association before Khadka was run out in the next over.
With 23 required off the last over, it was always going to be tough for Nepal. Malik ended whatever little hope it had with three more scalps to seal a comfortable win for his side.
The two teams will face off in the fourth and final match of the series at the same venue on Friday.
Brief scores
Netherlands - 149 for 6 (Myburgh 71*, Karan 2 -24)
Nepal - 131 for 9 (Khadka 36, Malik 4-21)
Result - Netherlands won by 18 runs
