Congratulatory messages poured in as Netherlands eased past South Africa by 38 runs in Dharamshala to script a second World Cup 2023 upset in three days.

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Netherlands scripted a famous World Cup win with an inspired performance against South Africa. Batting first in a rain-curtailed match, they slipped to 112-6 at one stage. Skipper Scott Edwards rescued their chances with a clinical 78 (69) with able support from Roelof van der Merwe (29 off 19) and Aryan Dutt (23* off 9). They posted a respectable total of 245-8 at the end of 43 overs.

South Africa were clueless during their run-chase as they slipped to 44-4 early in their innings. They never recovered from the collapse and were bowled out for 207 in the last over of the match. Logan van Beek was the pick of the Dutch bowlers with figures of 3-60.

Former cricketers and commentators showered praise on the Netherlands’ heroic effort on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). This was their second successive win against South Africa in World Cups. Last year, they defeated Temba Bavuma’s side in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, ending their semi-final hopes.

Former India captain Virender Sehwag praised Edwards on the rescue knock and hailed the team’s all-round effort: “Wow ! What an effort by the Dutch.
So much to like about the way they go about their business. Scott Edwards was sensational in the last 10 overs with the bat and then the Netherlands’ bowlers did the job in style.”

Irfan Pathan, another former India international, pointed out Netherlands’ habit of pulling off repeated upsets against South Africa. “Oh Netherlands you have something against South Africa?? What a game so far for them.”

Ian Bishop, former West Indies cricketer and commentator, emphasised how the victory wasn’t a fluke, raising an alarm for the opponents.

“Afghanistan two nights ago, Netherlands tonight. Outstanding from @KNCBcricket . This is no flash in the pan either. They prepare well, they work hard, and they are exceptionally well led by Scott Edwards. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. & they not done yet,” Bishop wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Journalist Alison Mitchell drew parallels between the Netherlands’ upset over South Africa to Afghanistan’s over England on October 15.

“If comparing upsets, Netherlands are an Associate while Afghanistan enjoy Full Member status & the full funding that comes with it (and obv don’t spend any on women’s ckt). Ned have upset the form team of the tourn, with many players having other jobs. Great effort,” Mitchell penned on the social media site.

Meanwhile, former Sri Lanka batter and commentator Russel Arnold was swayed by the victory, and had reckoned that it came against “the tournament front runners”.

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