South Africa vs Netherlands, World Cup 2023: Massive Upset! Netherlands Stun World No. 3 South Africa
South Africa vs Netherlands, World Cup 2023 Highlights: A few days after Afghanistan stunned defending champions England, world No. 14 Netherlands caused another huge upset by beating South Africa
South Africa vs Netherlands, World Cup 2023 Highlights: This World Cup is turning out to be a tournament of upsets! A few days after Afghanistan stunned defending champions England, world No. 14 Netherlands caused another huge upset by beating South Africa. Netherlands kept the believe in themselves despite facing a heavyweight team like South Africa, who are the No. 3 ranked ODI team currently. However, Netherlands did not let their lower ranking affect them as they won against South Africa by 38 runs.  (Scorecard)
Batting first, in the rain-affected match, Scott Edwards played a captain's knock to lead the Netherlands' remarkable recovery and take them to 245 for eight in a rain-hit game against South Africa in the World Cup in Dharamsala on Tuesday. Intermittent rain added an extra chill in the mountain air and reduced the game to 43-over a side contest. South Africa expectedly opted to bowl amid the overcast sky and their bunch of formidable pacers including Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi, got a lot out of the surface. However, their death overs bowling left a lot to be desired as the Netherlands plundered 68 runs in the last five overs. The Netherlands were struggling at 140 for seven in the 34th over. Edwards (78 off 69) shared an entertaining 64-run partnership off 37 balls with Roelof van der Merwe (29 off 19) towards the end of the innings to take the team past 200.
In reply, South African batters, barring the exception of David Miller and Keshav Maharaj, showed no gumption to fight as Netherlands bowlers jolted their innings at regular intervals. Ultimately, South Africa were all out for 207.
South Africa Cricket Team
Netherlands
South Africa vs Netherlands LIVE
The World Cup keeps on delivering. That is it from this game. The action continues from the World Cup as we head to MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on the 18th of this month as New Zealand will take on Afghanistan at 2 pm IST (8.30 am GMT). Do join us for the build-up. Cheers.
Scott Edwards wins the Player of the Match award. Says they were losing too many wickets in the last couple of matches. He says he just wanted someone to stay around him in the end to put in some crucial runs. Adds it was easy to bat with Aryan Dutt and Roelof van der Merwe, they played some brilliant shots. Reckons he is happy to play his part. They came into this tournament with a chance to play semi-finals and to beat South Africa is a great feeling. Says he is extremely proud of the performance. Tells they do some research and analyses, and it came out well for them today. Ends by thanking the support from their home.
Temba Bavuma says they could have restricted Netherlands under a low total but dropped the ball. Adds they didn't build any stand and lost too many wickets. Credits Netherlands for the way they bowled. Reckons they were clinical against Australia but failed to replicate the same here. Shares their fielding wasn't the best as well and will have conversations and answer some tough questions. Mentions this loss will hurt but they want to get back to the journey with their heads held up. Tells Netherlands prepared well and hopes they play more good cricket.
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There were some poor shot selection from South Africa. They underrated this Dutch bowling and took things lightly which turned out to be a bad decision. South Africa were 44 for 4, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller did give some hope by steading the ship but once Heinrich Klaasen got out, the pressure was all on David Miller who felt vulnerable on this pitch and his wicket almost put the game in the bed. Netherlands played as a unit, they were outstanding in the field and were more eager for the win than South Africa.
The turning point of this game was when Scott Edwards walked out to bat. Netherlands were all set to finish under 200 but the skipper had other ideas and better determination than everyone. Scott Edwards and the Dutch tail wag to add around 100 runs in the final 10 overs to put up a competitive score. That just gave the momentum to Netherlands who then turned up with the ball. Spin to win as we saw, Netherlands kept things slow, made the most of the pitch and once Quinton de Kock got out, the floodgates opened. Logan van Beek was just brilliant. The others too did their job dearly.
Job done by Netherlands. They have created history and made the most dangerous batting line-up of this World Cup look like freshers against the Dutch quality bowling. This World Cup has witnessed another upset. Netherlands have surprised everyone this time.
OUT! GONE! The wait is over. Netherlands have done it. Short and on middle, Keshav Maharaj looks to ramp it over but gets a top edge and the keeper does the rest. Memorable victory. Netherlands win by 38 runs - their first-ever victory in the 50-over World Cup.
SIX! This is on a length and outside off. Keshav Maharaj hammers it over to long off for a biggie.
FOUR! Off the edge. This is full and outside off, Maharaj looks to drive but top edges it over short third man for four.
A slower delivery, full and leg, Keshav Maharaj fails to get bat on it.
Shorter and on off, Maharaj slashes and misses.
Good shot! Length and on middle, Ngidi punches it down to long on who dives to his left and saves couple.
Shorter and on middle, Maharaj pulls it over the man at square leg for one more.
A slower full ball, outside off. Maharaj swings and misses.
This is full and around off, Maharaj lofts it over covers, wide of long off and sweeper as well. Two more.
Outside off, this is guided through point for a single.
Bangs it short and on middle, Ngidi looks to pull but misses.
Short in length and on middle, Maharaj tries to paddle scoop but misses.
FOUR! This is short and on middle, Maharaj goes across and pulls it fine to fine leg for a boundary. Called a late no ball probably because of the extra fielder outside the circle.