Twitter erupts as Netherlands recover in last 9 overs against South Africa in match No.15 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Netherlands have given South Africa a target of 246.

Netherlands made a great recovery against South Africa at HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. After losing early wickets and struggling in most of their innings, Dutch lower-order gave a brutal shock to one of the finest bowling attacks in ODI cricket. Netherlands finished their 43-over innings on 245 and gave South Africa the challenging task of chasing down 246 to remain unbeaten. Dutch lower-order added 104 runs in their last nine overs and lost only one wicket.

Netherlands impressed everyone with their finishing, and experts came forward praising Dutch efforts. Aryan Dutt’s cameo of 23 in nine balls took Netherlands to a challenging total. Aryan smoked three big sixes in the final overs. Before Aryan’s power-hitting, it was all about captain Scott Edwards, who went on to score his 14th half-century. Edward scored 78 runs on 69 balls with 10 fours and one six to take his team to a little more comfortable position.

Netherlands skipper stepped up at right time

Captain Scott Edwards added 64 runs, along with spin all-rounder Roelof Van der Merwe, who also contributed immensely to the score. Van der Merwe scored 29 runs on 19 balls with three fours and a six for his useful contribution. These three took Netherlands out of crisis, as they were under pressure on 140 for 7. Dutch top-order struggled to put up runs against South African pace attack, and Kagiso Rabada (2 wickets) and Marco Jansen (2 wickets) had a great opening spell.

Nobody from Netherlands' top 5 touched the 20 runs mark, Teja Nidamanuru (20) came in and steered Netherlands innings, along with captain Scott Edwards, to some recovery in their innings. Scott Edwards, after gaining momentum, didn’t let his guard down and motivated his partners to aim for a challenging total. South Africans were extremely poor on the field and dropped a few easy chances on the field in Dharamshala.

The game was delayed due to the rain and wet outfield. It was a 4 PM start, and the overs were curtailed to 43 overs per side. South Africa will be chasing 246 under lights with dew in Dharamshala. South Africa will be looking to continue their winning run in the ongoing World Cup in 2023. Netherlands have been impressive, but they have not opened their account for this World Cup.