ISLAMABAD (Eshfak Mughal): The Netherlands has won match against a strong opponent South Africa by 38 runs Tuesday, in an other major upset in the ongoing World Cup 2023.
The Netherlands and South Africa played in Himachal Pardesh, Dharmshala Cricket Stadium. It was first win of the Netherlands in the ongoing of contests of the World Cup after two consecutive defeats against Pakistan and New Zealand.
The Netherlands, who had previously stunned Africa in the T20 World Cup 2022, once again proved to be a formidable opponent for South Africa. The Dutch team has full stopped on the wining track of South Africa.
South African Inning
South Africa had a disastrous start and finding themselves at 44-4 in just 11.2 overs. The South African main batters such as Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aidan Markram all returned in the pavilion.
Dutch Scott Edwards’ team remained dominant, exerting pressure on the Proteas throughout their chase of the 246-run target.
After the destructive batter David Miller was dropped at 23 runs by Bas de Leede, there was a glimmer of hope that the left-handed batter would guide them closer to the target. However, Miller’s innings was cut short by a quicker delivery from Logan van Beek, ending hopes for his side. The Proteas were eventually all out for just 207 runs.
In their innings, the Netherlands faced a collapse similar to their opponents. The Dutch team lost four wickets on 50 runs at 15.1 overs and losing wickets at regular intervals.
At one point, it seemed that the entire team might be all out before reaching the 150-run mark. However, their skipper, Scott Edwards, played a determined and valiant knock. He scored 78 off 69 balls with 11 boundaries while batting at number seven. His effort helped his side post a competitive total of 245 runs in 43 overs.
Netherlands Innings
Edwards received support from quick knocks by Roelof van der Merwe (29 off 19) and Aryan Dutt (23 off 9).
The significant loss significantly impacted South Africa’s net run rate (NRR). The Proteas had won their first two matches against Sri Lanka and Australia with margins of 102 and 134 runs, respectively.
In the upcoming matches, South Africa will face the struggling England side. England also has suffered a major upset against Afghanistan in the World Cup, at the Wankhede Stadium on October 21. Meanwhile, the Netherlands will take on Sri Lanka on the same date in Lucknow, India.