Simi Singh's late unbeaten 57 on his T20 debut was not enough as Ireland fell just short of their chase in a four-run defeat to Holland in their Tri-Series match at Rotterdam.
Holland had posted 144 from 19.5 overs, captain Pieter Seelaar top-scoring with 36.
Ireland, though, looked set to be heading towards a comprehensive defeat at 63 for seven before India-born all-rounder Singh, who had earlier claimed three wickets, got them right back into the game as he struck three sixes and four fours in his 29-ball innings.
But needing six off the final delivery, Singh could only get a single.
Stuart Thompson and Peter Stirling scored 15 and 17 respectively at the top of the order but a failure from the middle order, with no-one else making double figures until number 10 Barry McCarthy (11no) joined Singh, put Ireland behind the eight ball until Singh's aggressive knock gave them hope.
Netherlands won by 4 runs vs @Irelandcricket @VOCRotterdam @seelaar8 @cambo_19 pic.twitter.com/47rEghWXbY
— Cricket🏏Netherlands (@KNCBcricket) June 12, 2018
The second T20I between the two sides will be at the same venue on Wednesday.
FINAL SCORE. @SimiSingh147 almost got us home with a brilliant innings. On to the re-match tomorrow. Don't forget the livestream: https://t.co/BqnoA0wkPJ #BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/H2Dd7VXFlN
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) June 12, 2018
