If you don’t aim for semis, you should not be at the World Cup: Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards

Scott Edwards, the Netherlands captain, has backed his team to reach the semi-final of the ongoing ICC men’s Cricket World Cup in India. Netherlands squared off against Sri Lanka at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on October 21. The 27-year-old stated that no team will be there those who aim to play semi-finals.

“Every team wants to reach the semis and if you don’t aim that, you should not be here. I think the boys are excited to do well and hope to keep up the momentum that we gained against South Africa. Every game is important and we are looking forward to it. We have no changes to our side. Playing with the same side,” Edwards said at the toss.

Netherlands beat South AFrica in massive upset

Netherlands produced a stunning show against South Africa at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on October 17. The underdogs stunned the cricketing world, outplaying and beating the Temba Bavuma-led side by 38 runs to register their first win in the ongoing competition.

After being put to bat first, the Netherlands posted a reasonable total of 245/8. Notably, the match was reduced to 43 overs per side due to rain. Scott Edwards was key for his side, scoring an unbeaten 78 off 69 deliveries. His knock was studded with ten boundaries and one maximum. Later, Logan van Beek led the bowling attack, picking up three crucial wickets and limiting the Proteas to 207.

The win marked the Netherlands’ first win in an ODI World Cup after 16 years. It is also their first victory over a Test-playing nation in the 50-over tournament.