Belfast Wolves produced a remarkable display of power hitting to defeat Amsterdam Flames by nine wickets in a high-speed ETPL contest at Sportpark Westvliet. In a match reduced to five overs per side, the Wolves chased 57 in only 3.5 overs, with Paul Stirling leading the charge.
ETPL thriller decided by explosive five-over cricket
Belfast Wolves won the toss and chose to bowl, aiming to restrict Amsterdam before launching their own chase. The shortened format left little room for defensive cricket, and both teams attacked from the opening delivery.
Amsterdam Flames posted 56 for two from their five overs. Steven Smith top-scored with 20 from 10 balls, while Yuvraj Samra stayed unbeaten on 19 from 11. Tim David contributed nine from six balls and Bas de Leede finished not out on seven from three as Amsterdam built a competitive total.
Paul Stirling powers Belfast Wolves to victory
The Belfast response was even more aggressive. Needing 57 runs, the Wolves immediately placed pressure on the Amsterdam bowling attack and refused to let the required rate influence their approach.
Paul Stirling was named man of the match after striking an unbeaten 25 from just 10 deliveries. His three sixes provided the early momentum Belfast needed. Mark Chapman added 19 from eight balls, while Glenn Maxwell completed the chase unbeaten on 11 from five.
Belfast Wolves finished on 59 for one after only 3.5 overs, winning by nine wickets with seven balls remaining. The result showed how quickly a powerful batting line-up can transform a demanding target in a compressed T20-style contest.
Amsterdam Flames innings
- Total: 56 for 2 from 5 overs
- Steven Smith: 20 from 10 balls
- Yuvraj Samra: 19 not out from 11 balls
- Tim David: 9 from 6 balls
- Bas de Leede: 7 not out from 3 balls
Belfast Wolves chase
- Total: 59 for 1 from 3.5 overs
- Paul Stirling: 25 not out from 10 balls
- Mark Chapman: 19 from 8 balls
- Glenn Maxwell: 11 not out from 5 balls
- Result: Belfast Wolves won by nine wickets
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What this ETPL result means
The match demonstrated the distinctive demands of five-over cricket. Amsterdam reached a respectable score through positive strokeplay, but Belfast’s batters were more clinical and found the boundary with greater regularity.
For the Wolves, the victory adds another important result to their campaign and highlights the value of experienced international performers such as Stirling and Maxwell. Amsterdam can take encouragement from the intent shown with the bat, although their bowling attack had almost no margin for error against Belfast’s aggressive chase.
The contest also offered another reminder of the growing appeal of the European T20 Premier League: short, decisive matches, internationally recognised players and an attacking style designed to keep supporters engaged from the first ball to the last.
Conclusion
This ETPL match result belonged to Belfast Wolves, whose fearless batting turned a challenging 57-run target into a nine-wicket win. Paul Stirling’s explosive unbeaten innings set the tone, while Mark Chapman and Glenn Maxwell ensured the chase finished swiftly. Amsterdam Flames showed strong intent, but Belfast’s power hitting proved decisive in this five-over thriller.
