Picture Credit: Twitter
The T20 World Cup in Australia has presented sports fans with one of the biggest upsets where the Netherlands defeated the in-form South Africa by 13 runs. This victory also ensured that the Proteas are now out of the semi-final contention allowing Pakistan to clinch one of the top two spots in Group 2.
The Netherlands team came onto the field with a different mentality, allowing them to punch far above their weight. It almost felt like the Dutch knew they were going to win. A video confirming this certainty has been making rounds on the internet from the Pakistan-Netherlands fixture, played on 30 October.
In the video, veteran Dutch batter Tom Cooper was heard asking Pakistan captain Babar Azam to win the game. Cooper said, “So we finish fourth” and exactly that happened. The Dutch defeated South Africa to finish fourth in Group 2 and Pakistan took down Bangladesh to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. This also allows the Netherlands to secure a Super 12 birth for the next World Cup, if India go on to beat Zimbabwe on expected lines in the final league match.
Regarding the Dutch victory, Colin Ackermann and Brandon Glover emerged as stars with the bat and ball respectively. Ackermann put up a crucial 41 in 26 balls with three fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 157.69. Then in the second innings, Glover picked up three wickets while giving away only nine runs in two overs.
Netherlands’ captain Scott Edwards was in complete shock after the defeat and deemed the tournament a success with resounding wins after a dismal start.
He said, "I am lost for words. Went so fast. This is going to take a bit of time to take it all in. We are used to these conditions in Netherlands. We were confident around the 160 mark to defend this. Another great experience, another big upset from the Netherlands. Absolute goal for us after losing the first two games that we are still playing for a spot in the next World Cup. Two results go our way."