This edition of the T20 World Cup has seen quite a few surprises over the last couple of weeks, but on Sunday the Netherlands pulled off one of the biggest upsets by beating South Africa by 13 runs and knocking it out.
Temba Bavuma’s decision to bowl backfired as the Dutch openers Stephan Myburgh and Max O’Dowd featured in a 58-run partnership.
The Netherlands posted 158 for four before its bowlers held South Africa to 145 for eight.
Tom Cooper continued the openers’ good work, then Keshav Maharaj struck, removing O’Dowd and Cooper.
Just when it looked like South Africa was back in the game, came Colin Ackermann’s whirlwind innings. He slammed three fours and two sixes and added 31 runs with skipper Scott Edwards.
The Netherlands bowlers started with zeal claiming two wickets within the PowerPlay. Rilee Rossouw tried to regroup before falling to Brandon Glover. Needing 74 runs off 48 deliveries, Aiden Markram fell trying to accelerate.
Belied hopes
Hopes were pinned on David Miller, who returned to the team after missing the last game, but he managed only a run-a-ball 17.
South Africa needed 26 runs off the final over. Bas de Leede bowled a couple of extras before dismissing Keshav Maharaj and eventually earning a 13-run win.
This was the Netherlands’ first win against South Africa across all formats.
Brief Scores:
Netherlands: 158 for 4 in 20 overs (Colin Ackermann 41 not out; Keshav Maharaj 2/27).
South Africa: 145 for 8 in 20 overs (Rilee Rossouw 25; Brandon Glover 3/9).
