The T20 World Cup is on a knife edge after the Netherlands pulled off one of cricket’s greatest upsets over South Africa.
Having come into their final pool match as firm favourites, South Africa flunked a seemingly straightforward win and now find themselves at risk of bombing out of the tournament altogether.
The Netherlands batted first and ended up 4/158 at the end of their 20 overs, led by Colin Ackermann who scored an unbeaten 41 not out.
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What followed was a catastrophic crumbling by South Africa, who steadily lost players before a flurry of wickets left them 13 runs shy at the end of their allotted overs at 8/145.
The match included one of the catches of the tournament by Roelof van der Merwe when David Miller skyed a ball towards point.
It marked the first win for the Netherlands over South Africa in any format of cricket.
“Look at the reaction on the field,” said former Black Caps wicketkeeper turned commentator Ian Smith.
“They’re coming from all over the place. There is so much emotion on the faces of the Dutch fans and their players. They can’t quite believe what they have just achieved.
“Staggering in world cricket, one of the biggest upsets in world sport for a long time.
“Amazing scenes. So much emotion, so much expectation, and once again at one of the final hurdles, South Africa has fallen short.”
It was a match worthy of a sold-out stadium, but the small contingent of Dutch fans and the early fans from Pakistan ahead of their match with Bangladesh enjoyed a rip-roaring finish.
Against all odds, Pakistan is a chance of making it through to the semi-finals.
Had South Africa won, the match between Pakistan and Bangladesh would have been a dead rubber.
However, a win over The Tigers will see them through.
It would be an extraordinary tale after their narrow defeats to India in their opening pool match and later to Zimbabwe.
In any case, it ensures India tops their table.
For Tongan-born, Australian-raised Netherlands captain Scott Edwards, it was a moment to savour but one hard to comprehend.
“I’m a little bit lost for words,” he said.
“It went so fast. It’s going to take a little bit of time to take it all in.
“It’s definitely up there. It’s just another experience, another big upset from the Netherlands in a World Cup.
“Just stoked for the boys, the team, and the supporters back at home.”
Pending the results of the remaining pool matches, the Netherlands can guarantee themselves qualification for the next T20 World Cup if they wind up fourth.
Two pool matches remain in the tournament, the first between Pakistan and Bangladesh and then India against Zimbabwe.
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