Netherlands defeated the might-Proteas by 13 runs in a must-win game for South Africa to qualify for Semi-finals from group-2.
South Africa won the toss and decided to bowl first. Netherlands dished out a collective batting effort to post a decent 158 for four. The Proteas could only manage to score 145 for the loss of eight wickets. This is the first win for Dutch side against South Africa in any format and nothing could be a better match than this in a World Cup.
The Proteas are out of T20 World Cup 2022 with this loss. Once again, they have fumbled in an ICC event in an important game and their wait for ICC trophy continues. On the other hand, this is a great day for Dutch cricket as they have finished in top-4 in Group-2 and have got a direct qualification for Super-12 of next T20 World Cup in 2024 in West Indies and USA.
Colin Ackermann (player of the match) said, “It feels fantastic. We deserve this victory and the boys have played their hearts out. The surface was slow and turning. So,we knew 160 was competitive. I am elated for my boys.” Ackermann displayed an all-round performance. He scored valuable 41 runs and bowled three economical overs.
Netherlands Captain Scott Edwards said, “I am lost for words. Went so fast. This is going to take a bit of time to take it all in. We are used to these conditions in Netherlands. We were confident around the 160 mark to defend this. Another great experience, another great upset from the Netherlands.”
India has qualified for the Semi-finals with a match to go against Zimbabwe at MCG, today. This loss of South Africa has virtually turned Pakistan vs Bangladesh match into a quarter-final and winning side will enter into Semi-finals along with ‘Men in Blue’ from Group-2. From Group-1, New Zealand and England have qualified for the semis and defending-champion and host Australian players packed their luggage for different cities.
image credits: wisden
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