ODI World Cup 2023 Cricket

'Upset hone laga hai' - Fans react as Netherlands reduce South Africa to 44/4 while defending 246 in ODI World Cup 2023

The Netherlands reduced South Africa to 44/4 while defending 246 in the ODI World Cup 2023. The Netherlands was all over South Africa after 12 overs.

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Sarah Andrew
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Roelof Van Der Merwe

Netherlands.

The Netherlands is all over South Africa at the moment in the match between the two sides in the ODI World Cup 2023. In a rain-affected game in Dharamshala, the Netherlands got to a total of 245 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. In their 43 overs, Netherlands made a terrific comeback in their last 9 overs, where they scored 100 runs. It helped them gain the momentum.

With the help of Scott Edwards' 78*(69), and some cameos from Roaelof Van Der Merwe and Aryan Dutt, who scored 29(19) and 23*(9), respectively, the Netherlands made an incredible comeback. From 140/7 after 33.5 overs, Netherlands ended up scoring 245 runs. The momentum was clearly with the Dutch. With it, the bowlers found some spring in their legs. They were all over South Africa.

Defending the target, the Netherlands got the first breakthrough in the eighth over of the match. A dangerous-looking Quinton De Kock was undone by Colin Ackerman. The big wicket opened the floodgates for the Netherlands. In the next 5 overs, South Africa lost 3 wickets. Aryan Dutt's economical spells from his end meant that South Africa had to go for big shots. South Africa looked under pressure. 

Huge collapse from South Africa

The experienced campaigner and the former South African cricketer Van Der Merwe bowled a sensational spell. In his first two overs, van Der Merwe got 2 wickets and conceded only 5 runs. Merwe first got rid of South African captain Temba Bavuma. In the very next over, Paul Van Meekeren dismissed Aiden Markram. South African dugout was clearly frightened at that point in time. 

Van Der Merwe then dismissed Rassie Van Der Dussen, one of the most consistent ODI batters in recent times. The Dutch celebrated wildly. They were all over South Africa in no time. The onus is now on the finishing duo of David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen to take South Africa home. On the other hand, the Netherlands will be hoping to continue with their good performance to create a big upset in the tournament. 

Here's how the fans reacted to Netherlands' good start -

 

ODI World Cup 2023 Twitter Reactions South Africa Netherlands