Bermuda slumped to their third consecutive defeat at ICC World Twenty20 2012 qualifiers in Dubai today after coming up agonisingly short against the Netherlands.

The Island’s national cricket team lost by four runs in a nail-biter that went right down to the wire at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Bermuda restricted the Dutch to 125 for nine after electing to field.

But they could only muster 121 for eight in reply with Stephen Outerbridge (34) and Rodney Trott (18) the two batsmen left stranded at the crease.

Bermuda required 6 runs for victory off the last ball of the match but ultimately proved unequal to the task.

Outerbridge’s 44 ball -knock that contained two boundaries topped the Bermuda batting while seamer Kamau Leverock (2-28) and spinner Dion Stovell (2-14) claimed two wickets apiece in the bowling department.

Bermuda, who currently sit at the bottom of Group A, take on Canada tomorrow at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Defending tournament champions Afghanistan top Group A with a perfect 3-0 record.

Only the top three teams in the group will advance to the knockout phase of the tournament.