The Netherlands sent shockwaves around the cricketing world after defeating tournament favorites South Africa to dump them out of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. The Men in Orage pulled off a significant coup, ensuring India’s qualification to the semis and leaving Pakistan and Bangladesh’s fate in their own hands. The Proteas were firm favorites to top the hotly contested group after restricting the dutch to a par total of 158 runs in the first innings.
Chasing a relatively comfortable total, the South African batters made a stumbling start, as Quinton de Kock was dismissed in the third over of the match. Skipper, Temba Bavuma went back to the pavilion in the same over, after a run-a-ball 20. Even after the two decisive blows during the field restrictions, the Proteas were the favorites with the firepower in their dugout.
ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin Feels He Can Take Advantage If Bowler Don’t Run Him Out At The Non-striker’s End
However, the Dutch bowlers were unfazed by the stern task on hand as they managed to take wickets at crucial junctures. Aiden Markram’s dismissal in the 13th over felt like a body blow as he was looking set at the crease and threatening to take the game away from the Netherlands. But it was the stunning catch by former South African cricketer Roelof van der Merwe to dismiss David Miller, that sealed the fate of the Proteas.
Earlier in the match, South Africa won the toss and decided to bowl first on a tricky surface at the Adelaide Oval. Stephan Myburgh and Max ODowd had a cautious stared which provided a solid anchor for teh Netehrlands. Myburgh fell after the powerplay after a decent 37 off 30 deliveries.
ALSO READ: MS Dhoni Files A Pleas Against An IPS Officer In Madras High Court
But the incoming Tom Cooper came out all guns blazing as he smashed 35 off just 19 deliveries. A series of three quick wickets pegged them back. Still, Colin Ackermann was in no mood to let the momentum slip as his belligerent 41 off 26 deliveries took the Netherlands to a defendable score of 158 runs in their 20 overs, an impressive total considering South Africa’s famed bowling attack.
Brief Scores:
Netherlands: 158 for 4 in 20 overs (Colin Ackermann – 41 not out; Keshav Maharaj – 2/27) defeated South Africa: 145 for 8 in 20 overs (Rilee Rossouw – 25; Brandon Glover – 3/9, Fred Klaassen – 2/20) by 13 runs
Here is how the netizens reacted to the implausible win of Netherlands:
WHAT A WIN! 🤩
Netherlands defeat South Africa in their final Group 2 match of #T20WorldCup#SAvNED |📝: https://t.co/4UJVijHlTA pic.twitter.com/zhmHSOpqVe
— ICC (@ICC) November 6, 2022
3 days ago, Pakistan and Bangladesh were full of lament. Now they are likely to play a knockout game for a place in the semi-final. Patience! What a World Cup this is! And what a statement from the teams traditionally lesser fancied!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 6, 2022
The Netherlands, again.
Wow!#T20WorldCup #SAvsNED #takenothingforgranted— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) November 6, 2022
Wait,what just happened unbelievable pictures from Adelaide . Congratulations to Netherlands what a performance 🎭. And now it’s time for the boys in green to step up . It’s now or never . #PAKvsBAN
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) November 6, 2022
There must be some Pakistan fans deleting their historical tweets right about now. Pakistan now believe. #T20WorldCup
— Grant Elliott (@grantelliottnz) November 6, 2022
Well we didn’t see that happening, thrilled for @KNCBcricket and even more for @cambo_19 their coach! #SAvNED #ICCT20WorldCup2022
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) November 6, 2022
😳😳😳 #PAKvsBAN
— Nasser Hussain (@nassercricket) November 6, 2022
Bad Luck @ProteasMenCSA done everything right till last minute…now all 👀 on @TheRealPCB & @BCBtigers
Cricket is very unpredictable game….. #PAKvsBAN— Dimuth Karunarathna (@IamDimuth) November 6, 2022
In a hotel room where this was all I could see. Had to follow online, painful. pic.twitter.com/sfH224WgTZ
— Ashwell Prince (@ashyp_5) November 6, 2022
Congratulations Netherlands, in this World Cup, there’s nothing like a favourite team. Individuals who group and take responsibilities will win it for their side. Top quality cricket. #SAvNED #T20WorldCup
— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) November 6, 2022