The Netherlands pulled off an upset to remember as they beat Temba Bavuma-led South Africa by 38 runs in Dharamsala on October 17. The Netherlands team had their homework done as they knew what to bowl to a particular South African batter and get the better of them. After the historic win, the Dutch captain Scott Edwards revealed what was written on the piece of paper that was taken out frequently and was often followed by a wicket.
“We do a fair bit of research. We come up with a few matchups. Some days it works and some days it doesn't,” Edwards revealed in the post-match presentation.
The wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten for 78 off 69 balls to help Netherlands post 245/8. He had support from Roelof Van der Merwe and Aryan Dutt's cameos in the slog overs. The skipper was adjudged ‘Player of the match’ for his performance.
“Over the last couple of games too many of our middle order batters were being out before the end of the game, so I wanted to take it deep and hope a couple of guys around me chip in and we are lucky enough to get that score in the end. He's (Van der Merwe) good fun to bat with, he runs hard and hits into some strange areas which is good fun to watch from the other end. I just got him (Aryan Dutt) on strike and he was clearing the ropes, he's got the talent and it's all there to see tonight,” the 27-year-old said.
Edwards is still hopeful of the Netherlands reaching the semi-finals after beating an in-form South Africa. He said, “We came into the tournament where we wanted to have a chance in the semi-finals, and if you wanna do that you gotta beat teams and South Africa are one of the favourites the way they are playing, so it is a good win for us.”
The Netherlands are currently in the eighth position above five-time World Champions Australia and Sri Lanka on the points table. They will go up against Sri Lanka at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on October 21.
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