On Sunday, the Netherlands eliminated South Africa from the Twenty20 World Cup with an incredible 13-run victory in Adelaide that also advanced India to the semifinals.
Bangladesh and Pakistan are vying for the final position in the tournament’s final four after the latest in a string of upsets.
The final match of Sunday’s triple header, in which table-toppers India take on Zimbabwe in Melbourne while sitting on six points, will determine the final Super 12 standings as well as who will play who in the semifinals.
After man-of-the-match Colin Ackermann’s unbeaten 41, South Africa struggled to reach their target of 159 runs, finishing on 145-8. Dutch fast bowler Brandon Glover returned remarkable figures of 3-9 in two overs.
“Hard one to swallow. We had the confidence and belief in ourselves as a unit to make the play-offs,” said South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma.
“Unfortunately for us, we couldn’t do it. Winning the toss and bowling, what they got wasn’t ideal.
“We lost wickets at crucial times. They used the dimensions of the field a lot better than we did.”
South Africa started their reply on a jittery note with openers Quinton de Kock and Bavuma out inside six overs with the score on 39.
The left-handed de Kock hit a four and six but soon fell caught behind to Fred Klaassen, for 13, and Bavuma was bowled by Paul van Meekeren for 20.
But it was Glover’s dismissal of Rilee Rossouw, who had scored the first century of the competition, after only 19 balls, that gave the Dutch team renewed hope.
Aiden Markram was taken out for 17 by Klaassen, and Glover’s two strikes in one over gave the Dutch a chance to stun the Proteas.
The wheels came off South Africa’s chase, and with it their chances of winning the World Cup, when he sent back the threatening David Miller for 17 and then got Wayne Parnell caught behind for naught.
When given the opportunity to bat first, the Dutch, who had previously only defeated Zimbabwe in the Super 12, made a great start with Stephan Myburgh’s 37, but they soon lost their way. But Ackermann then intervened.
“Lost for words,” said Edwards after the Dutch pulled off another stunner.
“It’s definitely up there, another big upset for Netherlands in a World Cup.”
Ackermann added: “Feels fantastic, we really deserved this victory.
“Boys worked really hard. Come in, and take it deep, and the boundaries flowed at the end.”
