South Africa overcame a stunning early batting collapse to secure a four-wicket victory over the Netherlands in their T20 World Cup Group D clash in New York on Saturday.
David Miller’s unbeaten 59 off 51 balls guided the Proteas to victory at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, with South Africa finishing on 106/6 after restricting the Dutch to 103/9 in their 20 overs.
Netherlands Almost Pulled Off Another Upset
For a moment, it seemed like the Dutch were set to cause another upset against South Africa, following their previous wins at the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Proteas were in trouble at 12/4 after 4.3 overs, and at one stage, they were reeling at 3/3 as the Dutch bowling attack dominated early on.
However, Tristan Stubbs and Miller pulled South Africa back with a crucial fifth-wicket partnership of 65, putting the Proteas in a strong position. While Stubbs eventually fell for 33, Miller’s half-century, featuring three fours and four sixes, including a six off Bas de Leede in the 19th over, sealed the win.
“It was just a good finish in the end,” a relieved Miller said afterwards. “Credit to the Netherlands bowlers – they bowled really well. They made it difficult for us to score. But we have got over the line with our tailenders, so I have faith.”
Overcoming a Psychological Hurdle
Proteas captain Aiden Markram acknowledged the psychological hurdle his team overcame with the win against the Dutch after their previous high-profile losses. “We knew they were always going to be up for a scrap,” Markram said. “It’s a game of cricket ultimately. The history before this game was obviously they beat us. It’s a mental blockade – and we were under pressure again today.”
Early Dominance by South African Bowlers
Earlier, Ottniel Baartman’s brilliant four-wicket haul helped South Africa limit the Netherlands to a modest 103/9. Baartman finished with figures of 4-11 off four overs, while Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje each took two wickets, keeping the Dutch batsmen on the back foot.
Jansen struck in the opening over, getting rid of Michael Levitt for a duck after a review. He was involved again for South Africa’s second dismissal, taking a superb one-handed diving catch at first slip after Max O’Dowd edged behind off Baartman, leaving the Netherlands at 15/2 after four overs. Jansen then bowled Vikramjist Singh to make it 17/3.
Anrich Nortje dismissed De Leede, caught for six, and things got worse for the Netherlands in the 12th over. South Africa skipper Aiden Markram’s superb fielding led to Edwards being run out for 10. Three balls later, Nortje took another wicket as Teja Nidamanuru’s leading edge was caught by Heinrich Klaasen at deep third man, making it 48/6.
Sybrand Engelbrecht and Logan van Beek offered brief resistance before falling to Baartman for 40 and 23 respectively, as South Africa’s bowlers reasserted control in the final overs.
