World Cup 2023: Netherlands stun confident South Africa

DHARAMSALA – Netherlands caused an upset in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 by defeating South Africa by 38 runs in the 15th match of the tournament at Dharamsala, India, on Tuesday.

Batting first, Netherlands set a challenging target of 246 runs for South Africa in a rain-hit match. Chasing the target, South Africa could score only 207 runs in 42.5 overs.  

The match was reduced to 43 overs as it started with delay due to rain in the city. South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and put the opponents to bat first. 

African bowlers showed stunning performance as no player from opening and middle order could put handsome score on board. 

Scott Edwards from tail order smashed unbeaten 78, helping his side to set a reasonable target for South Africa. 

Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada took two wickets.

Temba-led Proteas are among the top performing teams and the squad looking to advance their winning momentum while the Dutch are eager to make a mark in the leading cricket event, but they face a formidable challenge.

Proteas enter Tuesday’s game as clear favourites, as they bagged six out of seven fixtures against the Netherlands in their previous face-offs.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands are no stranger to upsets, and they are capable to bring surprise against any team.

As both sides are looking to advance their journey in the flagship cricket event, the weather could potentially disrupt the game.

Pitch at HPCA stadium allows hitters to score big numbers with the pacers and spinners getting some help. The team bowling second may have a slight advantage with the ball.

South Africa vs Netherlands squads

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi/Gerald Coetzee

Netherlands: Vikramjit Singh, Max O'Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Sybrand Engelbrecht, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek/Ryan Klein, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren