By Tim Douglas 
Rotterdam Dockers 158/5 beat Amsterdam Flames 157/8 by 5 wickets with 11 balls remaining in the opening match of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) 2026 at Sportpark Duivesteijn, Voorburg, on August 26. Faf du Plessis produced a match-winning unbeaten 83 off 55 balls as the Dockers successfully chased down 158 after restricting the Amsterdam Flames to 157/8.
The victory gives Rotterdam Dockers two points from their opening game, while Amsterdam Flames begin their ETPL 2026 campaign without points. Du Plessis was named Player of the Match after combining his unbeaten half-century with two catches, playing the central role in a confident chase.
Amsterdam Flames Post 157/8 After Bas de Leede’s 75
After winning the toss, Rotterdam Dockers opted to field first, but Amsterdam Flames made a positive start. Max O’Dowd smashed 25 from 15 balls, including four boundaries, while Yuvraj Samra added five before falling early.
The innings was then rebuilt by Bas de Leede, who played the standout knock for the Flames. De Leede scored 75 from 53 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 141.50. His innings provided Amsterdam with the stability needed after the early wickets and carried the side through the middle overs.
De Leede reached his half-century from 41 balls, but the Flames struggled to maintain their momentum after his departure at 148. Curtis Campher contributed 17 from 20 balls, while Scott Edwards scored 17 from 14. The late order could only add a few runs as Amsterdam finished on 157/8 in 20 overs, setting Rotterdam a target of 158.
For the Dockers, the bowling attack shared the workload effectively. David Wiese, Anrich Nortje and Roelof van der Merwe claimed two wickets apiece, while Wiese also made an impact in the field. Nortje was particularly economical, conceding 26 runs from his four overs, while van der Merwe gave away just 21.
Faf du Plessis Anchors Rotterdam Dockers’ Successful Chase
The Dockers’ chase began with an early setback when Michael Levitt was dismissed for four, followed by the wickets of Ben McDermott and Heinrich Klaasen. At 22/3, Rotterdam needed a substantial recovery.
That recovery came through Faf du Plessis and Ben Manenti. The pair rebuilt the innings and added a crucial fourth-wicket partnership, with du Plessis taking control of the chase. He reached his fifty from just 26 balls, striking five fours and two sixes during an aggressive counterattack.
Manenti provided excellent support, hitting 30 from 18 balls, including three fours and a six. His dismissal at 105 briefly opened the door for the Flames, but du Plessis continued to control the chase.
Saqib Zulfiqar was run out for one, but David Wiese’s unbeaten 27 from 17 balls ensured the Dockers remained comfortably within reach of victory. Wiese struck three fours and helped du Plessis finish the job.
Du Plessis remained unbeaten on 83 from 55 balls, with seven fours and two sixes, as Rotterdam reached 158/5 in 18.1 overs. The Dockers therefore won by five wickets with 11 balls remaining.
Kyle Klein’s Three Wickets Keep Flames Under Pressure
Although Amsterdam Flames ultimately lost, Kyle Klein was their most successful bowler. He claimed 3/34 from four overs, including the important wickets of Ben McDermott, Heinrich Klaasen and Ben Manenti.
The early wickets gave Amsterdam a chance to defend their total, but the inability to dismiss du Plessis proved decisive. Once the experienced South African settled into the chase, Rotterdam maintained control despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
Faf du Plessis Sets the Tone for ETPL 2026
The opening match provided an immediate indication of the quality and star power expected in the European T20 Premier League 2026. Du Plessis combined experience with aggressive strokeplay, while the Dockers’ bowling attack kept Amsterdam from converting de Leede’s excellent innings into a larger total.
For Amsterdam Flames, De Leede’s 75 off 53 was a major positive, but the team will need more support around its key batter in the next match. For Rotterdam Dockers, the combination of du Plessis’ unbeaten 83, Wiese’s all-round contribution and a balanced bowling attack gives them an ideal start to the tournament.
With the opening-game victory secured, Rotterdam Dockers move to two points in the ETPL 2026 standings, while Amsterdam Flames will look to bounce back in their next fixture.
Brief Scorecard
Amsterdam Flames: 157/8 in 20 overs
- Bas de Leede: 75 (53)
- Max O’Dowd: 25 (15)
- Curtis Campher: 17 (20)
- David Wiese: 2/28
- Anrich Nortje: 2/26
- Roelof van der Merwe: 2/21
Rotterdam Dockers: 158/5 in 18.1 overs
- Faf du Plessis: 83 (55)*
- Ben Manenti: 30 (18)
- David Wiese: 27 (17)*
- Kyle Klein: 3/34
- Richard Gleeson: 1/28
Result: Rotterdam Dockers won by 5 wickets with 11 balls remaining.
Player of the Match: Faf du Plessis – 83 (55) and 2 catches*