20-20 World Cup 2022: Three big moments that led to South Africa's loss to Netherlands

Netherlands vs South Africa (Source: Twitter)

The 20-20 World Cup 2022 was treated to yet another upset as Netherlands beat South Africa by 13 runs in a close encounter. This was another case of South Africa not crossing the final hurdle at a multi-nation event. The Proteas allowed the Netherlands to get to a 158 and South Africa could not get the runs due to an all-around team effort by the Dutch.

This was yet another moment for Netherlands to cherish in the 20-20 World Cup as they had beaten England in 2009 and 2014 and in addition to it, this was the first-ever win for Netherlands against South Africa in international cricket. While the Proteas were knocked out of the tournament, the win from the Dutch provided a lifeline for Pakistan to make it to the semis with a win against Bangladesh in their final Super 12 encounter.

1. Colin Akermann’s cameo

In the first innings, Netherlands were 123-4 at that point in time and it looked like it was anyone’s game. The Dutch needed a strong finish to stand a chance of putting up a good show in the second innings and Colin Akerman did exactly that by scoring 7 runs in Kagiso Rabada’s over and 14 runs in the last over bowled by Wayne Parnell, joining hands with Scott Edwards at the other end. This led to Netherlands scoring 31 runs in the last two overs as Akermann remained unbeaten after playing a superb cameo of 41 off 26 with three fours and two sixes.

2. Roelof van der Merwe's blinder

The game-changing movement of the match happened when David Miller was dismissed and caught by Roelof van der Merve off Brendon Glover's delivery in the second ball of the 16th over. It was a stunning piece of fielding as the catch changed the complexion of the game and restricted South Africa's run flow towards the end. The Proteas gathered only 145 runs in 20 overs falling 14 runs short of the target, much to the dreariness of the South African fans. 

3. Game-changing 16th over by Brandon Glover

In the 16th over, when South Africa needed 48 off 30 balls with six wickets in hand, Glover changed it all for the Dutch by picking up the big wickets of David Miller and Wayne Parnell and turned the match in Netherlands' favour. There were only four runs taken in the over which left South Africa needing 44 off the last four overs which could not be achieved in the end. The sad story of South Africa faltering at a multilateral event continues, and this match is another watershed moment in the history of Netherlands cricket.