Netherlands shocked SA in a historic win in CWC 2023

• Location – HIMACHAL PRADESH CRICKET ASSOCIATION STADIUM, DHARAMSALA, INDIA
• Date – 17th October 2023
• Score Summary:
  • Netherlands 245 in 43 overs: Scott Edwards (78), Roelof van der Merwe (29), Logan van Beek (3-60).
  • South Africa 207 all out in 42.5 overs: David Miller  (43), Keshav Maharaj (40), Marco Jansen (2-27).
• Man Of the Match – Scott Edwards (Netherlands) (Scored 78 runs and took 3 catches)

The Netherlands achieved a historic victory at the Cricket World Cup by defeating South Africa with a remarkable performance in Dharamshala. Captain Scott Edwards played an unbeaten inning of 78 runs as the Dutch team shocked a Proteas side that had appeared impressive in their previous matches, winning by 102 and 134 runs against Sri Lanka and Australia. Netherlands shocked SA in a historic win in CWC 2023 with an unexpected performance in Dharamsala.

Netherlands First Innings:

The Netherlands faced a precarious situation at 82-5 when they batted first, but they managed to post a total of 245-8 in a match shortened to 43 overs per side due to rain. In response, South Africa encountered early trouble at 44-4 and later at 145-7, with David Miller (43) being the top scorer before getting dismissed by Logan van Beek, who took 3-60. South Africa was eventually bowled out for 207 in the final over, resulting in a 38-run victory for the Dutch.

This victory marked the Netherlands’ first ODI World Cup win since 2007. It was a challenging day for Temba Bavuma’s South African side as they succumbed to a second significant upset at the hands of the Netherlands in less than a year. Last November, the Netherlands defeated South Africa in the T20 World Cup, and now they have claimed victory in the 50-over format.

South Africa’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages suffered a setback, and their upcoming match against England in Mumbai became even more critical. For the Netherlands, this win is a historic moment in their cricketing history, as they managed to beat a South Africa side that was considered a contender in the tournament.

Despite struggling at 50-4 and 112-6, the Dutch captain, Scott Edwards, played a crucial role in rescuing his team with an unbeaten 78 off 69 balls. Roelof van der Merwe (29 from 19) and Aryan Dutt (23 not out from nine) provided valuable support, helping the Netherlands reach 245-8.

South Africa Second Innings:

Although South Africa’s opening pair, Bavuma and Quinton de Kock, had a strong start, they, along with Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen, were dismissed within the span of 21 deliveries. South Africa’s position of 36-0 quickly turned into 44-4. Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller tried to stabilize the innings with a run-a-ball partnership of 45. However, Miller’s dismissal marked the turning point, as he departed for 43, and South Africa’s chances dwindled.

The Dutch bowlers put up a superb collective effort, with Logan van Beek taking 3-60, while Roelof van der Merwe and Paul van Meekeren each secured two wickets. The Dutch celebrated their first ODI World Cup win in 16 years with this memorable victory.

Summary – Netherlands shocked SA in a historic win in CWC 2023

Netherlands captain Scott Edwards expressed his pride in his team’s performance, emphasizing that their dream was to reach the tournament’s semi-finals. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Temba Bavuma acknowledged that they let the Dutch side off the hook and emphasized the need to learn from their mistakes as they continue their campaign.

Table below summarizes the status of all teams till now –