Belfast Wolves delivered a stunning display of power hitting to defeat Amsterdam Flames by nine wickets in Match 7 of the ETPL. In a five-over contest at Sportpark Westvliet, Belfast chased 57 with seven deliveries remaining after Paul Stirling led a rapid run chase.
ETPL Match Result: Belfast Wolves Complete Fast Chase
After winning the toss, Belfast Wolves chose to bowl first, knowing that the shortened format would make every delivery decisive. Amsterdam Flames responded positively, scoring 56 for two from their five overs and setting Belfast a demanding target in a game built around attacking cricket.
The Flames pushed the scoring rate from the opening ball. Steven Smith top-scored with 20 from 10 deliveries, while Yuvraj Samra added an unbeaten 19 from 11. Tim David contributed nine from six balls and Bas de Leede finished unbeaten on seven from three as Amsterdam crossed the 50-run mark.
Paul Stirling Powers Belfast Wolves to Victory
Belfast’s reply was even more aggressive. The Wolves attacked immediately rather than trying to pace the chase, putting the Amsterdam bowling unit under pressure from the first over.
Paul Stirling was named Man of the Match after an outstanding unbeaten 25 from only 10 balls. The Ireland veteran struck three sixes and provided the explosive start Belfast needed. Mark Chapman added 19 from eight balls, while Glenn Maxwell remained unbeaten on 11 from five.
Belfast Wolves reached 59 for one in just 3.5 overs, securing a nine-wicket victory with seven balls unused. The result demonstrated how effectively the team converted a challenging asking rate into a decisive win through boundary-hitting and confident shot selection.
Match summary
- Amsterdam Flames: 56/2 in 5 overs
- Belfast Wolves: 59/1 in 3.5 overs
- Result: Belfast Wolves won by nine wickets
- Player of the Match: Paul Stirling
- Venue: Sportpark Westvliet
What the Result Means for ETPL Cricket
The match highlighted the entertainment value of a compressed T20-style format, even though this contest was reduced to five overs per side. Both teams committed to attacking cricket, but Belfast proved more clinical when the chase began.
For Amsterdam Flames, the innings showed considerable promise. Their 56-run total included several boundaries and gave the side a realistic chance. However, Stirling’s clean striking and strong support from Chapman and Maxwell ensured that the target never became difficult for Belfast.
The victory gives Belfast Wolves important momentum in the ETPL, while Amsterdam can take confidence from the attacking talent displayed during their innings. With shortened matches offering little margin for error, starts with both bat and ball will remain crucial in the competition.
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Key Takeaway from the ETPL Match
Belfast Wolves won the contest by combining a competitive bowling effort with an exceptional power-hitting display. Paul Stirling’s unbeaten 25 set the tone, and the Wolves’ 3.5-over chase confirmed their superiority in one of the most intense ETPL matches so far.
