Another day, another upset as Netherlands sprang a surprise after beating South Africa by 38 runs in the World Cup 2023 clash against South Africa in Dharamshala.

Netherlands didn’t have an ideal start after being asked to bat first in a rain-curtailed 43-over-a-side match. Kagiso Rabada drew first blood for South Africa by sending opener Vikramjit Singh back to the dugout for a 16-ball two. His opening partner Max O’Dowd followed him in the next over after getting dismissed for 18 (25), reducing their score to 24-2. The return of dependent all-rounder Bas de Leede for an insignificant 2 (7) further dented their cause. After Teja Nidamnuru was dismissed, the Dutch were reeling at 112-6 at the end of 27 overs. It seemed like the obvious outcome of an in-form side prevailing over the underdogs would follow.

But skipper Scott Edwards partnered the evergreen Roelef van der Merwe to crawl Netherlands back into the game. Edwards struck a blistering 78 off 69 deliveries to provide impetus to their stuttering innings. The knock consisted of ten boundaries and a maximum. Meanwhile, van der Merwe blasted 29 off 19, including three fours. His six that came courtesy of an upper cut against pacer Gerald Coetzee was the highlight of his quick fire contribution. Aryan Dutt played a vital cameo whacking 23 from just nine deliveries. Striking at 255.55, Dutt smashed three maximums to cap off Netherlands resurgence. They finished at 245-8.

South Africa were chasing a target that was potentially tricky but given their excellent recent batting form, they were still expected to leave with two points. Netherlands ensured the chasing side’s biggest fear came true by making early inroads with spin. Colin Ackerman averted the Quinton de Kock threat by claiming his wicket for 20 (22). Van der Merwe struck with twin blows in the form of Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen to derail the run-chase. Paul van Meekeren cleaned up Aiden Markram for 1 (3). Logan van Beek took the game out of South Africa’s reach by taking out the dangerous duo of Heinrich Klaasen (28) and David Miller (43). Later, Van Beek took the last wicket of Keshav Maharaj in the final over to seal a famous victory.

This was their first win against an ICC Full Member at the 50-over event.

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