In ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, the Netherlands cricket team surprised the World by upsetting the mighty South Africa in a spectacular turn of events. The European underdogs have humiliated the Proteas on the cricket field for the second time in a year.
South Africa, one of the tournament favorites, faced a difficult assignment in chasing a target of 246 runs for win in a rain-shortened match of 43 overs.
Dutch skipper Scott Edwards batted 78 not out to set a competitive goal. However, South Africa’s chase did not go as expected, as they were bowled out for 207 runs in the shadow of the Himalayas.
This unexpected result is reminiscent to the Netherlands’ elimination of South Africa from the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia in November of last year.
The Netherlands appears to have emerged as South Africa’s surprising adversary in international cricket events.
One of the greatest ICC Men's Cricket World Cup upsets of all time in Dharamsala as Netherlands overcome South Africa 🎇#SAvNED 📝: https://t.co/gLgies5ZBv pic.twitter.com/KcbZ10qdAG
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 17, 2023
The match began with South Africa comfortably leading 36-0, with no indication of the extraordinary events that would follow. The game, however, took an unexpected turn as four wickets fell for just eight runs.
Quinton de Kock, caught behind for 20 runs. Temba Bavuma clean bowled by Roelof van der Merwe on 16. Temba Bavuma previously played 13 ODIs for South Africa.
Aiden Markram dismissed for one run by the Netherlands’ Paul van Meekeren. Rassie van der Dussen dismissed by a hasty reverse sweep.
With a 45-run partnership, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller began the work of rebuilding South Africa’s innings.
Klaasen’s aggressive shot selection, however, resulted in his dismissal, leaving South Africa at 89-5.
Despite some resistance, such as David Miller’s 43 runs, the Dutch bowlers continued to make inroads. Keshav Maharaj’s late 40-run effort was also unsuccessful.
Earlier in the day, the Netherlands demonstrated their batting skills. Captain Scott Edwards batted brilliantly, scoring 78 runs undefeated. Roelof van der Merwe’s late cameo of 29 runs was critical in their total of 245-8, especially since they were struggling at 112-6 earlier.
The Netherlands’ amazing victory over South Africa in the ICC World Cup 2023 adds to the tournament’s reputation of unexpected surprises.
It emphasizes the unpredictable nature of cricket as well as the tenacity of underdog teams. Cricket fans may expect more thrilling and unexpected twists and turns as the competition progresses.
