The Netherlands delivered the second major shock of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 by defeating the high-flying South Africa in a rain-marred affair at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, winning the contest by 38 runs.
The Proteas won the toss and elected to field first after the match was reduced to 43 overs per side.
Batting first, the Dutch side survived initial blows to end up posting a formidable total of 244/8 in a match that was reduced to 43 overs each due to the afternoon rains.
The Dutch captain, Scott Edwards, came in to bat when his side was tottering at 82-5 in 20.2 overs. He decided to take on the African attack in what can be called one of the greatest counterattack innings in World Cup history. He smashed 78 not out of 69 balls, which included 10 fours and a six. He was well supported by Roelf van der Merwe, who scored 29 off 19 balls, and Aryan Dutt towards the end who remained 23 not out of 9 balls, which included three massive sixes.
Chasing 246 in 43 overs, the South African side, which had made a strong statement at the start of the tournament by posting a score of 428 in their match against Australia, was found to be dumbfounded against the Netherlands’ bowling attack.
Logan Van Beek bagged three wickets, while Paul Van Meekeren , Bas de Leede and Roelof van der Merwe bagged two each. Colin Ackermann also picked one crucial wicket of the red-hot form player Quinton de Kock.
Wicket-keeper-batter and captain Scott Edwards was adjudged the Player of the Match for his blazing half-century.
With this win, the Netherlands have moved to 7th place, above Sri Lanka and Australia in the points table.
Final scores: NED 245-8 (43.0) | SA 207 (42.5)