Netherlands have produced the latest surprise at the 2023 Cricket World Cup by pulling off a stunning upset of South Africa in Dharamsala.
As a result of heavy rain, the game was reduced to 43 overs, and it appeared that South Africa would cruise to a routine success when Netherlands were reduced to 82-5.
However, they rallied to make 245-8 from their allotted overs before sensationally dismissing the previously-unbeaten Proteas for 207, prevailing by 38 runs.
For teams like England and Australia who have already lost two matches, it comes as an unforeseen boost, particularly England who still have to play South Africa.
None of the Netherlands top six recorded a notable innings, with the best effort coming from mid-order batsman Teja Nidamanuru who made 20 from 25 balls.
Nevertheless, wicket-keeper Scott Edwards spearheaded a stunning riposte with the tail, making an unbeaten 78 from 69 in a knock that featured 10 fours and a six.
Roelof van der Merwe (29) and Aryan Dutt (23) - number nine and 10 respectively - also starred during the closing stages to set a competitive target.
"𝗜𝗧'𝗦 𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘!" 🗣️🟠
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 17, 2023
The dangerous Klaasen is GONE - South Africa are FIVE DOWN! ❌ pic.twitter.com/338LdFG0vq
South Africa would have expected to chase it down, yet after a 36-run opening stand, they capitulated to 44-4 as Temba Bavuma (16) and Quinton de Kock (20) departed the crease.
Henrich Klaasen (28), David Miller (43) and Gerald Coetzee (22) kept South Africa ticking along, but Van der Merwe (2-34) and Bas de Leede (2-36) contributed to keeping them in check.
To South Africa's credit, Keshav Maharaj (40) and Lungi Ngidi (7*) put on 41 for the last wicket to reduce the damage to the net run-rate, but defeat in their easiest fixture on paper brings a number of teams back into real contention for the last four.
