World Cup 2023: Netherlands stun high-flying South Africa, win by 38 runs

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DHARAMSALA : The Netherlands caused a stunning upset by beating South Africa by 38 runs in a rain-shortened match to inflict a first defeat on the Proteas in the ongoing 50-overs World Cup in Dharamsala on Tuesday. Beaten in their previous two matches, the plucky Dutch side overcame a top-order collapse to post a competitive 245-8 in the 43-overs-a-side contest. Scott Edwards smashed a captain's knock of 78 not out to rescue the Netherlands, who were reeling at 82-5 in the 21st over but went on to post a decent total.

South Africa suffered a collapse of their own when they began their chase and Temba Bavuma's side were eventually bundled out for 207 en route to their first defeat in the tournament. David Miller made a brisk 43 and his dismissal in the 31st over effectively snuffed out South Africa's slim hopes of avoiding an upset. Paul van Meekeren clean-bowled Aiden Markram for just one.

Merwe in his next over also removed Rassie van der Dussen for four runs after being caught by Aryan Dutt. South Africa were 44/4 in 11.2 overs. Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, the backbone of Protea's middle-order started to rebuild the innings and the team reached the 50-run mark in 12.5 overs.

Klaasen-Miller were nearing a fifty-run partnership when Klaasen was removed by Logan van Beek for 28. He was caught by Vikramjit Singh at fine leg. Proteas were 89/5 in 18.5 overs.

Miller with Marco Jansen took Proteas beyond the 100-run mark in 22.2 overs. Meekeran delivered another blow to Proteas by rattling Jansen's stumps when he was at nine. Proteas were now 109/6 in 25 overs.