World Cup 2023: The Netherlands defeated the unbeaten South Africa by 38 runs in Dharamsala, giving them a huge blow and claiming their first victory in the World Cup 2023.

South Africa’s Playing XI:

Temba Bavuma (C), Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Rassie van der Dussen.

Netherland’s Playing XI:

Scott Edwards (C), Vikram Singh, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren.

Match Summary:

The inspiring unbeaten half-century by Scott Edwards inspired his bowlers to make it happen, annihilating South Africa’s legendary batting order to give the Netherlands a historic World Cup glory.

Netherlands scored 245 for eight after choosing to bat first. Due to bad weather, the game started later than scheduled, and when it did, it was just a 43-over-a-side encounter.

The Netherlands were in trouble at 140 for 7 but skipper Scott Edwards led a spectacular comeback with an unbeaten 78 off 69 balls to lift his team to a battling 245 for 8. Whereas, van der Merwe scored 29 off 19 and Aryan Dutt scored 23 off 9.

The overwhelming pre-match favorites were reeling at 44 for 4 when van der Merwe got two wickets for three runs in his first eight deliveries of South Africa’s run chase. Colin Ackermann and Paul van Meekeren picked up early wickets.

David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen appeared to be able to calm the situation, with a partnership of 45 runs. However, Logan van Beek, who had returned to the Netherlands’ lineup after missing the match against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury, dismissed Heinrich Klaasen by spooning a short ball directly to Vikramjit Singh at fine leg.

As Netherlands continued to chip away, Miller stuck in there but only managed to score 43 from 52 balls. But soon when he got bowled by van Beek, the game appeared to be lost by South Africans.

The Netherlands grabbed an opportunity, against a strong South African batting squad, which folded under pressure to be all out for 207 in 42.5 overs.

2022 ⏩ 2023#CWC23 | #SAvNED pic.twitter.com/T0athsFFFQ

— ICC (@ICC) October 17, 2023