Netherlands pulled off a historic upset against South Africa, securing a stunning victory in the World Cup 2023.
Scott Edwards’ unbeaten half-century provided the impetus, propelling their bowlers to dismantle South Africa’s formidable batting lineup.
South Africa, coming off dominant wins with totals of 428 and 311 in previous matches looked clear favourites. They had downplayed their previous defeat to the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup and were poised to take revenge.
However, the Netherlands, despite earlier losses to Pakistan and New Zealand, emerged as the underdogs that turned the tables.
Edwards and Roelof van der Merwe played pivotal roles, ensuring a 38-run triumph – a significant milestone for the Netherlands against South Africa in ODIs.
Netherlands found themselves at 50 for 4, and later at 140 for 7 in the first innings. However, a remarkable surge in the final nine overs, led by Edwards (78 not out off 69), van der Merwe (29 off 19), and Aryan Dutt (23 off 9), set a formidable target of 246.
This was an improbable feat given South Africa’s pace attack, including Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, and Lungi Ngidi.
Van der Merwe’s explosive start in South Africa’s run chase, claiming two wickets for three runs in his initial eight balls, set the tone. Colin Ackermann and Paul van Meekeren joined the early wicket-taking spree, leaving the favourites reeling at 44 for 4.
Quinton de Kock’s dismissal, attempting a paddle shot off Ackermann, followed by Bavuma’s stumps being shattered by van der Merwe’s delivery, left South Africa struggling. Markram’s defences were breached by van Meekeren’s low-bouncing delivery, and van der Dussen’s reverse sweep led straight to Dutt at backward point.
However, a brief partnership between David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen looked promising with a run-a-ball 45. Nonetheless, van Beek’s return to the Netherlands side proved pivotal. Klaasen’s dismissal, which was followed by Miller’s departure tilted the match in the Netherlands’ favour. David Miller scored a fighting 43 from 52 balls.
Keshav Maharaj and Ngidi’s 41-run stand for the 10th wicket gave some respite to South African fans. However, van Beek dismissed Maharaj, sealing the result with one ball to spare.
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