Cricket minnows The Netherlands have caused a sensation at the T20 World Cup, beating tournament contenders South Africa by 13 runs in Adelaide.
The result sees South Africa eliminated from the World Cup, with its net run-rate dipping below Group B rivals Pakistan. Pakistan faces off against Bangladesh in a winner-takes-all clash for a semi-final spot.
The Proteas were set a target of 159, and after the Netherlands smashed 15 off the final over to score 4-158, South Africa managed only 8-145.
Stephan Myburgh and Max O’Dowd put together a solid opening partnership of 58 in 8.3 overs and then late in the innings Colin Ackermann top-scored with 41 off 26 balls to bring the Dutch side home with a defendable target.
From the moment Quinton de Kock was dismissed for 13 in the third over, the Dutch sensed a chance for an upset.
The Proteas fell behind the run-rate, and then the key wickets of Temba Bavuma (20), Rilee Roussouw (25) and Aiden Markram (17) put the Netherlands in control.
The big blow was the departure of all-rounder David Miller for 17, who was brilliantly caught in the outfield by Roelof van der Merwe in the 16th over.
Wickets kept falling and the crowd noise at Adelaide Oval grew louder and louder.
South Africa needed 26 runs from the final over, but managed only 13, setting off loud and emotional celebrations from the Dutch team.
The result means that India qualifies for the semi-finals even before facing Zimbabwe on Sunday afternoon.
The winner of Pakistan vs Bangladesh will pass South Africa for second spot. In the event of a rained-out match, Pakistan will progress by virtue of a now-superior net run-rate to South Africa.
Beaten Proteas captain Temba Bavuma described the result as “a hard one to swallow”.
“We had the confidence and belief in ourselves as a unit to make the play-offs. Unfortunately for us, we couldn’t do it,” he said.
“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.”
