The Netherlands snatched a dramatic one-run victory over Ireland in the opening game of the three World Super League contests between the teams in Utrecht on Wednesday.
The Dutch posted 195 as Timm van der Gugten's late knock of 49 helped them recover from 53 for five. In reply, Ireland slipped to 11 for three before Paul Stirling led a rally.
But his departure for 69 put Ireland on 135 for six and Simi Singh's run out for 45 at the start of the last over was vital as the Irish chase fell just short.
Singh's exit left Ireland needing 10 off the final five balls but Josh Little and Barry McCarthy could only manage eight as the visitors suffered defeat by the narrowest of margins.
It was Ireland who initially gained control of proceedings with Craig Young and Josh Little claiming three wickets apiece before Man-of-the-Match van der Gugten sparked a fightback. As Ireland stood at 69 for five, a defeat looked to be on the cards but Stirling held firm before falling to van der Gugten.
Simi Singh picked up the baton but when Pieter Seelaar claimed two scalps in the 47th over, suddenly 19 runs from 24 balls was no longer straightforward.
Chief scores
Netherlands: 195 (T. van der Gugten 49, L. van Beek 29, J Little 3/32, C. Young 3/34)
Ireland: 194/9 (P. Stirling 69, S. Singh 45, P Seelaar 3/27, Van Beek 2/44). (BBC)
