Netherlands created the biggest upset as they defeated South Africa by 13 runs in a low-scoring match played at Adelaide Oval on 6 November 2022.
It was an impressive performance from the Netherlands side as they posted 158 for 4 in 20 overs. African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and decided to field first. Stephen Myburgh and Max O Dowd provided a decent start putting on 58 runs for the opening wicket.
Tom Cooper 35 off 19 balls, Colin Ackermann 41* off 26 balls helped Netherlands post 158 for 4. Anrich Nortje was the pick of bowlers for Africa with 1 for 10 in 4 overs.
African openers de Kock showed intent right from word go. Klassen got the breakthrough dismissing de Kock with a simple catch to the wicketkeeper Edwards. Bavuma struggled to time the ball keeping the momentum going for Africa. Van Meekeren got rid of Bavuma’s round legs.
Rilee Rossouw and Aiden Markram steadied the ship for Africa before the Netherlands kept on picking wickets at regular intervals. Brandon Glover grabbed important wickets of Rossouw, David Miller, and Wayne Parnell in quick succession to leave Africa on the back foot. Keshav Maharaj struggled as he was limping.
Netherlands held onto their nerves in the final over despite de Leede struggling for rhythm. Brandon Glover was the pick of bowlers for the Netherlands with 3 for 9 in 2 overs, Fred Klassen and Leede grabbed 2 wickets each while Meekeren took 1 wicket. Netherlands restricted Africa to 145 for 8.
Fans showered praise on the Netherlands side for producing one of the best performances in the T20 World Cup 2022. Here are some of the reactions:
I just heard someone singing Dil Dil Netherlands. #T20WorldCup
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) November 6, 2022
Oh my gawd🫣🫣😱😱.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) November 6, 2022
Just imagine being in the Pakistan or Bangladesh dressing room right now. It would be impossible not to feel excited about the opportunity that they’ve been gifted but there’s a game to win to turn the opportunity into reality. What an incredible turn of events. #T20WorldCup
— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) November 6, 2022
Netherlands wow! That is amazing! And so so good for cricket in the Netherlands and the world over! Hold your heads high boys. #T20WorldCup #SAvNED
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) 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
I don't think people realise what a huge victory this is for Netherlands cricket. Remember @KNCBcricket don't pay a liveable salary to any player, we have only 7 grass wickets in the country & have no access to our England based players outside World Cups. Report this @NOSsport
— Kate Holdsworth (@DutchBKate) November 6, 2022
Netherlands now want a return favour from Pakistan. If Pakistan and India win their games today, Netherlands will finish in Top 4 and get the direct entry in T20 World Cup 2024.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) November 6, 2022
Irrespective of what happens next, the Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Ireland, even Namibia and Scotland, have demanded more opportunities in T20 cricket. This World Cup should lead to a greater democratisation of our game.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 6, 2022
Namibia beat Sri Lanka.
Netherlands beat South Africa.
Zimbabwe beat Pakistan.
Ireland beat England.No South Africa & Australia in the Semi-final.
Best T20 World Cup ever.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 6, 2022
Netherlands have been waiting for two straight World Cups for their middle order to show up. And they finally do in time to kick South Africa out of the tournament. What a moment for them.
— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) November 6, 2022
Well done Netherlands!
So good today, congratulations
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) November 6, 2022
Netherlands Colin Ackerman awarded Player of the Match
For his unbeaten 41 off 26 balls, Colin Ackermann was named the player of the match award. Netherlands produced a stunning performance winning 2 matches in the Super 12 stage. Their performance stood out with Myburgh and Van der Merwe grabbing 2 brilliant catches.
Netherlands performed brilliantly in the Super 12 stage winning against Zimbabwe and Africa. It was a remarkable performance by Dutch who won two matches in round 1 matches.
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