Netherland upsets South Africa in World Cup 2023, Edwards, van der Merwe and Meekeren play crucial role.

South Africa’s recurring misfortune of stumbling on challenging opponents reemerged as the Netherlands secured a memorable 38-run victory over the Rainbow Nation, marking only their third-ever World Cup match-win.

In a rain-shortened affair lasting 43 overs per side, the formidable Proteas found themselves tasked with chasing down a target of 246. This was a notably higher total than expected, given the Netherlands’ initial struggle at 50 for four.However, the pursuit turned into a catastrophe for Temba Bavuma’s squad, as they experienced their second consecutive loss to the Netherlands at an ICC event following their stunning upset at the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Quinton de Kock fell to a Colin Ackermann delivery, Bavuma’s stumps were shattered by Roelof van der Merwe, Aiden Markram’s wickets were reorganized by Paul van Meekeren, and Rassie van der Dussen’s reverse sweep found the fielder at backward-point, leaving South Africa reeling at 44 for four.Heinrich Klaasen (28, 28b, 4×4) and David Miller (43, 52b, 4×4, 1×6) provided some resistance by adding 45 runs, but their efforts were cut short as Klaasen’s pull shot landed in Vikramjit Singh’s hands at fine-leg, and Miller’s stumps were rattled by Logan van Beek.

Although the South African tail wagged, victory remained elusive.In the first innings, on a lively pitch, the Netherlands’ top order faced a tough challenge against South Africa’s pace quartet consisting of Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Gerald Coetzee. Nonetheless, skipper Scott Edwards (78 not out, 69 balls, 10×4, 1×6) showcased resilience, while Roelof van der Merwe (29, 19b, 3×4, 1×6) and Aryan Dutt (23 not out, 9 balls, 3×6) displayed heavy hitting to resurrect their side.Edwards, coming in at 82 for five, efficiently navigated the spin web of Keshav Maharaj, amassing 30 of his 78 runs off the spinner.

Edwards then took on Rabada, hammering a six over deep square-leg and following it up with a boundary to complete his half-century.From the other end, van der Merwe wielded the bat with unorthodox style, combining powerful sixes with creative shot placements. Edwards and van der Merwe forged a 64-run partnership for the eighth wicket in just 36 balls, pushing the total beyond the 200-mark.The tall and lanky Aryan Dutt added to the excitement by smashing three sixes on the leg-side, much to the delight of the enthusiastic underdog-loving crowd. The unbroken ninth-wicket stand between Dutt and Edwards contributed 41 runs (19 balls), giving their total a winning aura.

In this remarkable encounter, the Netherlands’ spirited fightback and South Africa’s unexpected stumble added a thrilling chapter to the Cricket World Cup, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the sport.