The United States of America (USA) Women’s tour of the Netherlands in June 2025 marked a historic first bilateral T20I series between the two nations, promising a fresh chapter in international women’s cricket. Scheduled across the picturesque venues of Amstelveen and Utrecht, the five-match contest was set against the backdrop of early summer in Europe, with both teams eager to test their mettle and build momentum ahead of future global qualifiers.
While the series began with weather interruptions, it quickly unfolded into a showcase of Dutch dominance and spirited American resistance. The Netherlands, buoyed by home advantage and a balanced squad, looked to assert their credentials, while the USA Women sought to gain invaluable experience and notch a breakthrough win on European soil. Each match brought its own narrative—rain-shortened thrillers, all-round performances, and standout individual efforts—culminating in a series that offered both teams lessons and highlights to carry forward.
The opening match of the historic five-game T20I series between Netherlands Women and USA Women was set for June 7, 2025, at the picturesque VRA Cricket Ground in Amstelveen. Anticipation was high as both teams prepared to make their mark in this first-ever bilateral meeting. However, persistent rain and a wet outfield meant that not a single ball was bowled, and the match was abandoned without a toss, leaving both sides disappointed and the series still waiting for its first action.
Skipper Babette de Leede starred as Netherlands secured early lead
The second T20I between Netherlands Women and USA Women, held at Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd in Utrecht, finally brought action to the series after the washout in the opener. Rain continued to play a role, reducing the match to a 10-overs-a-side contest, but both teams were eager to make the most of the opportunity. Batting first, the Netherlands posted a competitive 87 for 2, with captain Babette de Leede anchoring the innings with a fluent 52* off 35 balls and Sterre Kalis adding a brisk 22 from 17 deliveries. The Dutch batters managed to find boundaries despite the shortened format, setting a challenging target for the visitors.
In response, the USA Women struggled to keep up with the required rate against disciplined Dutch bowling. Disha Dhingra top-scored with 28 off 26 balls, but regular wickets and tight overs from Silver Siegers (2 for 13) ensured the USA could only reach 71 for 5 in their 10 overs. The Netherlands secured a 16-run victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series and building momentum as the teams looked ahead to the remaining matches.
Heather Siegers led Netherlands to secure T20I series with 4-0 lead
Building on their momentum from the rain-shortened second game, the Netherlands delivered a commanding performance in the third T20I at Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd, Utrecht. Batting first, the Dutch side put up an impressive total of 128 for 4 in their 20 overs, anchored by a fluent 54 from Heather Siegers and a valuable 33* from Sanya Khurana. Their partnership provided stability and allowed the Netherlands to accelerate in the latter stages, setting a challenging target for the visitors.
The USA Women struggled to find any rhythm in their chase, losing wickets at regular intervals against disciplined Dutch bowling. Lilli Hamilton led the attack with figures of 3 for 13, while Hannah Landheer chipped in with 2 for 17, as the USA were bowled out for just 75 in 16.3 overs. Geetika Kodali was the only notable contributor with 17 runs. The 53-run victory gave the Netherlands a 2-0 series lead, underlining their dominance and putting the USA under pressure as the series progressed.
Aditiba Chudasama’s 60* in vain as Sterre Kalis’ 81* secured Netherland a win
Netherlands Women continued their dominance in the fourth T20I at Utrecht after riding high from their back-to-back wins. Netherlands batting first, posted an imposing 164 for 5 in 20 overs, powered by a power-packed 81* (60) from opener Sterre Kalis and a rapid 36 off just 18 balls from Heather Siegers. Their aggressive approach and effective running between the wickets put the USA Women under immediate pressure, as the Dutch lineup consistently found boundaries and rotated the strike well.
Chasing a steep target, USA Women struggled to keep up with the required rate despite a fighting 60* from captain Aditiba Chudasama and a handy 22 from Pooja Ganesh. The Dutch bowlers, led by Iris Zwilling (2 for 17) and Silver Siegers (1 for 15), maintained tight lines and were backed by sharp fielding, including a crucial run-out. USA finished on 112 for 5, falling 52 runs short as the Netherlands sealed the series with a 3-0 lead and underlined their superiority in all departments.
Iris Zwilling’s all-round effort helps Netherlands sweep T20I series 4-0
The fifth and final T20I at Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd, Utrecht, saw the Netherlands cap off their dominant series with another emphatic performance. Batting first, the hosts posted a formidable 149 for 7 in their 20 overs. Babette de Leede anchored the innings with a fluent 43 off 33 balls, while Sterre Kalis contributed a steady 31 from 28 deliveries. The Dutch batters maintained a brisk scoring rate throughout, capitalizing on loose deliveries and rotating the strike effectively. For the USA, Geetika Kodali (2 for 23) and Ritu Singh (2 for 25) were the pick of the bowlers, managing to stem the flow of runs in the middle overs.
Chasing 150, the USA Women faltered against disciplined Dutch bowling and sharp fielding. Only Pooja Ganesh (17 off 25) and Lekha Shetty (14 off 25) managed to reach double figures as wickets tumbled at regular intervals. Iris Zwilling was the standout with the ball, claiming 3 for 11 in her four overs, while Heather Siegers chipped in with 2 for 8. The USA were bowled out for just 74 in 18 overs, handing the Netherlands a comprehensive 75-run victory and sealing the series 4-0.
This final match not only underlined the depth and consistency of the Dutch side but also highlighted the areas the USA Women will look to address as they continue to build their international credentials. As both teams look ahead to global qualifiers and further international fixtures, this series stands as a significant learning curve and a celebration of the expanding horizons of women’s cricket.
