South Africa knocked out after shocking loss to Netherlands
The Netherlands sent shockwaves around the cricketing world after defeating tournament favorites South Africa to dump them out of the ongoing T20 World Cup in Australia. The Men in Orage pulled off a significant coup, ensuring India’s qualification to the semis and leaving Pakistan and Bangladesh’s fate in their own hands. The Proteas were firm favorites to top the hotly contested group after restricting the dutch to a par total of 158 runs in the first innings.
Chasing a relatively comfortable total, the South Africans made a stumbling start, losing Quinton de Kock in the third over of the match. His skipper was sent back on the final delivery of the powerplay after a run-a-ball 20. Even after the two decisive blows during the field restrictions, the Proteas were the favorites with the firepower in their dugout.
However, the Dutch bowlers were unfazed by the stern task on hand and kept chipping at the wickets. Aiden Markram’s dismissal in the 13th over felt like a body blow as he was looking set at the crease and threatening to take the game away from the Netherlands. But it was the stunning catch by former South African cricketer Roelof van der Merwe to dismiss David Miller, that dashed the Protean hopes.
Tom Cooper and Colin Ackermann took the Men in Orange to a competitive total
Earlier in the match, South Africa won the toss and decided to bowl first on a tricky surface at the Adelaide Oval. Stephan Myburgh and Max ODowd were watchful during the initial stages and provided a solid start for the Dutch. Myburgh fell after the powerplay after a decent 37 off 30 deliveries. But the incoming Tom Cooper provided the impetus to their innings with a blistering 35 off just 19 deliveries.
A series of three quick wickets pegged them back. Still, Colin Ackermann was in no mood to let the momentum slip as his belligerent 41 off 26 deliveries took the Netherlands to a competitive total of 158 runs in their 20 overs, an impressive total considering South Africa’s famed bowling attack.
