World Cup 2023: Netherlands shock South Africa in Dharamsala to win by 38 runs

After opting to bowl first in a rain-curtailed 43-over per side match, South Africa bowled brilliantly to leave the Netherlands reeling at 140/7. The pace attack of Ngidi, Rabada and Jansen shined for them upfront as they picked wickets at regular intervals.

But then Scott Edwards and Roelof van der Merwe joined hands and counterattacked. The duo added 64 runs for 8th wicket in just six overs. Van der Merwe smashed 29 runs off 19 balls while Edwards remained unbeaten on 78. Aryan Dutt also provided finishing touches with three sixes as the Dutch posted a competitive total of 245 runs in 43 overs.

With conditions easing out for batting, many thought South Africa will chase down the total easily. But the Netherlands stifled them early with spin as Roelof van der Merwe led the way. The Proteas were reduced to 44/4 by the 12th over and suddenly, South Africa were under massive pressure in the chase. David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen then stitched a partnership but to no avail as they succumbed to the Dutch side for the second time within a year.

The Netherlands played brilliantly despite Miller being in the middle and once the left-hander got out, the result of the match was a mere formality. South Africa too lost seven wickets for just 140 runs but they didn't have a player like Edwards in the middle to bail them out of trouble. Eventually, they were bundled out for just 207 runs in the last over of the innings.

Scott Edwards won the player of the match award for his exceptional knock of 78 runs off 69 balls with 10 fours and a six to his name. He led the side on the field superbly too and is looking forward to winning a few more matches in this World Cup. "Extremely proud. We came in with high expectations. We had very good players. Happy to get the first win out of the way. Hopefully, few more wins. We do a fair bit of research. We come up with a few matchups. Some days it works and some days it doesn't. We were in decent positions in the first few games but then fell away. I am sure there will be plenty of fans staying up and watching this. Extremely happy with the win," he said at the presentation ceremony.