Dutch cause another big upset, stun South Africa

NT Bureau, Agencies

Dharamsala: A bunch of semi professionals from the Netherlands, including an Uber Eats delivery boy, caused the World Cup's second major upset in three days, as it shocked an in-form South Africa by 38 runs here on Tuesday.

Put in to bat in challenging conditions after the rain reduced the contest to 43 over a side, the Netherlands found themselves reeling at 140 for seven before their captain Scott Edwards staged a remarkable recovery with an unbeaten 78 off 69 balls to take his side to a fighting 245 for eight.

With the pitch offering variable bounce and some turn, the Netherlands sniffed an opportunity against a formidable South African batting unit which crumbled under pressure to be all out for 207 in 42.5 overs, handing the Dutch their first World Cup win against a Test playing nation.

Until Tuesday, the Netherlands had only beaten fellow associate nations Namibia and Scotland in their World Cup history, having made their debut back in 1996.

The surprise outcome came 48 hours after Afghanistan shocked defending champions England in Delhi, adding to the unpredict - ability of the 10 team competition.

The Netherlands, who qualified for the their first World Cup since 2011 by finishing second in the Qualifier earlier this year, have shown significant improvement over the years.

The Dutch had humbled the Proteas in T20 World Cup 11 months ago and at the scenic Dharamsala on Tuesday, they recorded another famous win over them in a less unpredictable format.

At the start of the tournament, Bas de Leede, one of the few full-time cricketers in the team, had expressed delight at cricket being shown live on TV back home after four years. After a landmark performance, he and his team are likely to attract more followers in a football mad nation.

With the Netherlands reducing South Africa to 109 for six, only David Miller (43) stood between them and a memorable win. De Leede dropping a regulation catch off Miller in the dee p raised the nerves in the field and in the dressing room but their fate was sealed in the 31st over when the dangerous left-hander was bowled by pacer Logan van Beek.

Paul van Meekren, who has also worked as an Uber Eats delivery boy, got the crucial wickets of Aiden Markram and and Marco Jansen with two cross seam balls shattering their stumps.

Spinners Colin Ackermann (1/16) and Roelof van der Merwe (2/34), who made his international debut for South Africa before shifting allegiance to the Netherlands, also played a major role in the team's success. 

Brief scores: Netherlands 245-8 (43 overs): Edwards 78* (69); Jansen 2-27 South Africa 207 (42.5 overs): Miller 43 (52); Van Beek 3-60 Netherlands won by 38 runs