World Cup shockwaves continue as Netherlands beat South Africa

(DHARAMSALA): The 2023 Cricket World Cup continued to provide the shockwaves when minnows Netherlands dumped one of the in-form teams in the competition South Africa with a 38-run win at Himachal Pradesh CA Stadium here Monday.

South Africa were one of the teams to beat coming into yesterday’s game on the back of wins against Sri Lanka and Australia, but they ran into a Dutch side that was full of fight and confidence. At one time it didn’t seem likely that Netherlands were in competition when South Africa reduced them to 112-6, but they scripted a turnaround that speaks volumes of their character and resolve.

The Netherlands lower order led by the captain Scott Edwards who plays a lot of cricket in Australia, led the way with a terrific exhibition of batting especially against spin. He rallied his troops around brilliantly to post a final total of 245-8 in a match reduced to 43 overs a side due to a two-hour delay for rain.

Edwards held one end up and along with cameos from Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek and Aryan Dutt at the end, they ran South Africa ragged. Although the ball was zooming around, they stood up and delivered under pressure batting around their captain who went onto score a fighting 78* off 69 balls (10 fours, 1 six).

There was swing on offer for the new-ball bowlers but the likes of Lungi Ngidi and Gerald Coetzee bowled way too short. When the ball was pitched up, South Africa got wickets. The fielding was uncharacteristically poor and lethargic as well, especially during the last few overs. The 32 extras given away also showed how South Africa’s bowlers lacked the discipline to bowl on a helpful wicket for the seamers.

When it came to their turn to bowl, Netherlands derailed South Africa’s batting in the first ten overs, capturing four wickets with spin which held them on a leash. Wickets continued to tumble for South Africa as they tried to up the run rate but with the dismissal of David Miller for 43 only Keshav Maharaj made any sort of worthwhile contribution with 40 as the Netherlands gradually turned the screws to pull off a famous victory. It was a combined team effort that saw them post this memorable win.

The fact is that South Africa batted poorly. As far as decision to chase is concerned, it was a great decision considering both their wins came while defending, it was important for them to try chasing too. South Africa however will find this loss a tough pill to swallow. It was a loss like this that ousted them from the T20 World Cup in 2022 against the same opponents. – (ST)

Scores: Netherlands 245-8 (43) (Teja Nidamanuru 20, Scott Edwards 78*, Roelof van der Merwe 29, Aryan Dutt 23*, Extras 32, Lungi Ngidi 2/57, Marco Jansen 2/27, Kagiso Rabada 2/56)

South Africa 207 (42.5) (Quinton de Kock 20, Heinrich Klaasen 28, David Miller 43, Gerald Coetzee 22, Keshav Maharaj 40, Logan van Beek 3/60, Paul van Meekeren 2/40, Roelof van der Merwe 2/34, Bas de Leede 2/36)