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ADELAIDE: In yet another unbelievable major upset at the World Cup T20 event, Netherlands ended their campaign on a high note, making South Africa to miss their shot at semi-finals. The already eliminated Netherlands beaten South Africa by 13 runs to claim a famous win in Adelaide and knock the Proteas out. The Proteas are eliminated, despite being undefeated after three games — which included a win against India.
South Africa was expected to comfortably beat cricket minnows Netherlands, who are ranked 17th in the world and were bottom of Group 2. However, Colin Ackermann’s whirlwind unbeaten 41 steered the Netherlands to 4-158 at Adelaide Oval, before South Africa crumbled in the chase.
South Africa was 3-90 after 12.2 overs and looking in control before the sudden loss of Aiden Markram, David Miller Wayne Parnell and Heinrich Klaasen over the following five overs for just 30 runs. The Netherlands’ bowlers came up with the goods as they held their nerve to claim the win.
The collapse included a catch of the tournament contender when Roelof van der Merwe — who ironically played for South Africa in 2009 and 2010 — ran back with the flight and took a catch from over his shoulder to dismiss Miller.
South Africa ended up limping to a final score of 8-145.
After today’s upset, Rohit Sharma-led Team India has qualified for the semi-final stage of the T20 World Cup while Pakistan vs Bangladesh has now effectively become a quarter-final. The second semi-finalist from Group 2 will be decided on the result between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Winner of this match will “most probably” face New Zealand in the Semi Final in Sydney.
Will support Netherlands from now onwards in every sports pic.twitter.com/C78soAX7Vu
— 𝒥. Sad Hazelnut (@naanchannay) November 6, 2022
Experts say Netherlands now want a return favour from Pakistan. If Pakistan and India win their games today, Netherlands will finish in Top 4 and get the direct entry in T20 World Cup 2024.
