Cricket World Cup: Netherlands stun South Africa with historic win

Dutch secure first ODI World Cup win since 2007
Skipper Edwards hits 78 in 38 run victory
South Africa lose unbeaten run ahead of England match

In a stunning upset at the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Netherlands clinched a remarkable victory over South Africa in a commanding fashion in Dharamshala.

Netherlands end South Africa’s unbeaten start with superb performance

The Netherlands caused a major upset at the ICC Cricket World Cup, ending South Africa’s undefeated streak in the competition. This defeat served as a significant blow to Temba Bavuma’s side, as the Netherlands claimed a second monumental victory over the Proteas at a World Cup in less than a year. Just last November, the Netherlands’ unexpected win in Adelaide eliminated South Africa from the T20 World Cup. On Tuesday, history repeated itself in the 50-over format in Dharamshala.

Captain Scott Edwards played a pivotal role with an unbeaten 78 runs, turning the tables on the Proteas who had displayed strong performances in their initial matches, defeating Sri Lanka and Australia by 102 and 134 runs respectively.

Despite a rocky start at 82-5, the Dutch team made a remarkable recovery to post a total of 245-8, in a match shortened to 43 overs per side due to rain.

This victory, secured by a margin of 38 runs, marked the Netherlands’ first ODI World Cup win since their triumph over Scotland in St Kitts & Nevis back in 2007.

South Africa missed several promising opportunities, significantly denting their chances of advancing to the knockout stages. This added pressure on their upcoming clash against England in Mumbai.

For the Netherlands, this triumph stands as one of the most significant wins in their cricket history. While they secured a victory against the West Indies to qualify for the tournament, the South African team was considered a strong contender in India.

Heroic Innings from Edwards

Despite a challenging start with a score of 50-4 and later 112-6, Captain Edwards, coming in at number seven, played a heroic innings. His unbeaten 78 from 69 balls was complemented by crucial contributions from Roelof van der Merwe (29 from 19) and Aryan Dutt (23 not out off nine), leading the Netherlands to a total of 245-8.

While Bavuma and Quinton de Kock, who both notched centuries in the previous matches against Sri Lanka and Australia, made a promising start, they, along with Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen, departed in quick succession. What seemed like a solid start at 36-0 quickly turned into a dire situation at 44-4. Although Heinrich Klaasen and Miller managed to steady the ship with a run-a-ball 45 partnership, Klaasen’s dismissal shifted the momentum back in favour of the Netherlands. Miller’s dismissal, though delayed by a drop in the deep, proved decisive. A well-executed delivery from the dangerous Van Beek found the top of Miller’s off-stump, and he departed for 43, effectively sealing South Africa’s fate.

Bas de Leede, who had earlier dropped a crucial catch, made amends by dismissing Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada, while Van Beek claimed Keshav Maharaj in the final over. This collective bowling effort secured the Netherlands’ victory, with Van Beek leading the charge with 3 wickets. Van der Merwe and Paul van Meekeren each bagged 2 wickets, contributing to the Dutch team’s celebration of their first ODI World Cup win in 16 years.

Betting Implications

South Africa had been installed as second favourites for the tournament behind the hosts, India, after winning their first two matches. They were expected to then go on to beat the Dutch. However, after this defeat they are now joint second favourites with Australia at Betway, who have them at 11/2 at the time of writing. Before the Netherlands match many bookies had them at 9/2.

Holders England, who were second favourites at the start of the tournament, are now favourites to beat South Africa in their crucial match on Saturday. At the time of writing, bet365 have England at 8/11 with South Africa at 11/10.