Cricket Highlights, June 8: WC 2024 (Match 16) – Netherlands vs South Africa

Netherlands vs South Africa (Match 16) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling encounter between South Africa and the Netherlands in New York, where South Africa narrowly avoided a third consecutive ICC tournament defeat to the Dutch. Despite being on the verge of collapse at 12 for 4, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs orchestrated a remarkable recovery, leading their team to victory with a crucial 65-run partnership for the fifth wicket. 

At the toss, South Africa chose to bowl first to exploit the morning conditions and quickly reduced the Netherlands to 32 for 4. South Africa’s pace attack, led by Marco Jansen, was formidable, utilizing the pace and bounce effectively. 

The relentless hostility continued with Ottneil Baartman and Anrich Nortje providing no respite. This pressure forced the Netherlands into risky strokes, such as Scott Edwards’ reverse scoop for six, but they struggled to build a substantial total.

Engelbrecht’s composed innings and his 54-run partnership with van Beek were crucial in lifting the Netherlands to a three-figure score. While it would typically be considered inadequate, the Netherlands fought valiantly, making a contest out of the game and keeping Group D wide open.

South Africa struggled significantly in a modest chase in New York but were ultimately rescued by David Miller and Tristan Stubbs, who helped avert a third consecutive defeat to the Netherlands in ICC tournaments. Miller and Stubbs combined for a crucial 65-run partnership for the fifth wicket, pulling South Africa out of a dire situation at 12 for 4 on a pitch that was challenging but not as treacherous as the score might suggest. The surface had enough in it for fast bowlers, as evidenced by 13 of the 15 wickets falling to them, while two were run outs.

Quinton de Kock was run out in an unusual and bizarre way, without facing a single ball. Reeza Hendricks was undone by a superb delivery from Logan van Beek that straightened to hit the top of off stump. Vivian Kingma struck twice, first getting Aiden Markram caught down the leg side, leaving South Africa reeling at 3 for 3. Heinrich Klaasen’s ill-judged pull shot off Kingma added to the early chaos, sparking dreams of an upset for the Netherlands.

As Miller approached the crease, he might have been reminded of Adelaide 2022, where his dismissal with 47 needed from 28 balls sealed South Africa’s fate in a 13-run loss to the Netherlands. 

This time, Miller was determined to see the game through and remained unbeaten on 59. He showcased his power-hitting in the penultimate over, with South Africa needing 16 runs off 12 balls, ultimately guiding them to victory in a low-scoring game that saw 209 runs scored in 38.5 overs.

Both Miller and Stubbs are naturally aggressive batsmen, but the situation demanded caution. They carefully navigated the powerplay, ensuring no further damage, and managed only two more boundaries until the halfway mark, leaving South Africa needing 72 runs from the last ten overs.

Stubbs struggled initially, scoring just 9 off 21 balls and finding it hard to accelerate, especially against deliveries dug into the pitch. The spinners also made scoring difficult, but Stubbs finally managed to break free in the 11th over with a lucky inside edge off Bas de Leede.

Miller had his share of luck as well, narrowly avoiding a fielder at long-on off a big hit against left-arm spinner Tim Pringle. With South Africa needing 57 off 50 balls, Stubbs relieved some pressure with a six off Vikramjit Singh and followed it up with another big hit off van Beek, shifting the momentum. 

However, the chase hit a snag. With 29 runs needed from 30 balls, van Meekeren bowled a vital maiden over to Miller, piling on the pressure. Stubbs was then caught at deep midwicket off de Leede, and Marco Jansen fell to van Beek, leaving South Africa in a difficult position.

Facing 16 needed from 12 balls, de Leede bowled poorly, allowing Miller to start the penultimate over with a six over fine leg. Miller then sealed the win with a series of aggressive strokes, ending the game emphatically and exorcising the ghosts of Adelaide 2022. 

Netherlands vs South Africa Scoreboard

Netherlands – 103/9 (20.0)

South Africa – 106/6 (18.5)

Result – South Africa won by 4 wickets (with 7 balls remaining)

Player of the match – David Miller

David Miller

Netherlands vs South Africa Playing XIs

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