NEW DELHI: South Africa overcame an early scare to secure a nervy four-wicket victory over the Netherlands in the Twenty20 World Cup in Long Island, New York, on Saturday.
David Miller
anchored the innings with an unbeaten 59 off 51 balls, leading South Africa to 106 for six in 18.5 overs in response to the Netherlands' total of 103 for nine.
This victory marked South Africa's second consecutive win in Group D, while the Dutch suffered their first defeat after triumphing over Nepal in Dallas.
Batting first, the Netherlands struggled early against the tall South African pacer Marco Jansen, managing just 35-4 after 10 overs.
Their run rate improved towards the end, thanks to a 54-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Sybrand Engelbrecht and Logan van Beek. Engelbrecht, born in South Africa, top-scored with 40 before being dismissed in the last over.
Ottneil Baartman shone with the ball, claiming three wickets in the final over to finish with figures of 4-11, while Jansen and Anrich Nortje each took two wickets.
The Netherlands struck immediately in South Africa’s innings, with Quinton de Kock run out on the first ball due to a mix-up. This sparked a collapse, with Reeza Hendricks bowled and captain Aiden Markram caught down the leg side, leaving South Africa at 3-3.
Heinrich Klaasen’s dismissal in the fifth over further compounded their troubles, reducing them to 12-4. However, Miller and Stubbs steadied the innings with a crucial 65-run partnership.
Despite Stubbs' departure in the 17th over with 27 runs still needed, Miller guided South Africa to victory.
South Africa will face Bangladesh on Monday, while the Netherlands will take on Bangladesh on Thursday.
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