Ben Cooper and Pieter Seelaar put on 288 to rescue Netherlands in draw against Hong Kong
The pair grind out a gritty sixth-wicket partnership to force a draw on the fourth and final day of their ICC Intercontinental Cup clash
Ben Cooper and Pieter Seelaar on Monday put together one of the greatest partnerships seen in Hong Kong after they batted for 474 balls to deny the local side what appeared to be a routine victory in their ICC Intercontinental Cup clash.
Both batsmen scored centuries as they put on 288 for the sixth wicket and rescued the Netherlands from 105 for five with 80 overs remaining to leave the visitors on 393 for five at stumps on the fourth and final day at Tin Kwong Road to force a draw.
Neither batsman had previously scored a first-class century, but both well surpassed that milestone with Cooper scoring 173 from 317 balls, while Seelaar finished on 138 from 239 deliveries.
A sore and stiff-looking Cooper said he was proud of his achievements, which earned him man of the match honours.
“It wasn’t the best position to be in but we just backed ourselves and knuckled down,” Cooper said. “It’s the stuff you dream about to make such a good hundred as your first one and to be out there with Pieter was special.