Women's T20 WC: The plan was to just hit the deck as hard as I can, says Iris Zwilling
Bristol, June 27
The Netherlands fast bowler Iris Zwilling expressed satisfaction with her bowling effort of 2-19 against Pakistan in the ongoing 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, saying she's glad that the plan of hitting the deck hard finally clicked at the County Ground in Bristol on Saturday.
Iris' spell of 2-19, based around bowling tight lines, was the standout bowling effort for the Netherlands in restricting Pakistan to 126/6. "I think all tournament we've been kind of discussing to do the same thing, and it's really just to hit the deck and hit the deck as hard as I can, really try not to float the ball up there. And I think today that finally clicked. So I'm pretty happy with that," Zwilling said in a mid-innings chat with the broadcasters.
She admitted the bowling unit had faced challenges on batting‑friendly surfaces throughout the competition. "It's an interesting one because obviously we play on really, really good batting pitches. And I think coming from where we come from, we don't always have that experience.
"So it's something that we had to adjust to pretty quickly. And I think in parts we've really shown that we can bowl to good batters at good grounds on good wickets. And it's nice to, you know, see that back in a total today with just a low total," said Iris.
She also expressed confidence in the Netherlands' batting line‑up chasing down the target of 127 to get their first-ever win in the competition. "Oh, well, I guess I'm still a bit high on adrenaline from the bowling innings. I think it's outside the leg‑stump that comes a bit later.
"But I think we've shown in this tournament that we've got a very strong batting unit, and they are very capable of getting this total. So I back them all the way, and I think this is a really good opportunity for us, and it's within arm's reach," added Iris.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, there's something so refreshing about hearing a bowler just talk about executing the basics well - bowling tight lines, hitting the deck hard. No fancy talk, no gimmicks. The Netherlands women have been improving steadily, and I hope they get more support from their board. This is exactly the kind of fight we need to see from smaller teams.
Good for Iris! As someone from a cricketing nation that's not traditionally strong, adapting to good batting pitches is a real challenge. The fact that she and her team are learning and executing is commendable. Would love to see more Associate teams get regular matches against top sides - it's the only way they'll improve.
I have to say, as much as I appreciate the Dutch effort, the standard of women's T20 cricket for Associate nations still needs work. They restricted Pakistan to 126 which is not that low a total these days. Iris is right that they have batting depth, but chasing even 127 in a World Cup match is pressure. Let's see if they actually pull it off before celebrating too much. 🤷♀️
Seeing Netherlands women compete like this makes me nostalgic about how Indian women's cricket was in the early 2000s - scrappy, determined, and full of heart. Iris putting her hand up and taking responsibility is great leadership material. The fact that she's from a country where cricket is barely a niche sport makes it even more special. All the best to the Dutch women! 🇮🇳🇳🇱
There's a certain charm in hearing a young fast bowler (I assume she's early 20
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