ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 South Africa held their nerves in a low-scoring thriller in New York and defeated the Netherlands for the first time in ICC tournaments after two consecutive losses in the last 2 years. David Miller wrote the winning script for South Africa.
Massive collapse for Netherlands
South Africa had won the toss and opted to bowl first which turned out to be a nightmare for them and sudden collapse couldn’t hold their batting lineup so it didn’t manage well enough to register runs onboard. Except for Sybrand Engelbrecht and van Beek, none of the batters was able to score big runs so Netherlands was able to score just 103 runs onboard.
Great day for South African bowlers
South African bowlers had a great day yet once again with the bowl every bowler contributed well enough to restrict the Netherlands. Otteneil Baartman was the hero for South Africa he picked 4 wickets conceding just 11 runs, Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje picked 2 wickets each. South Africa has the best bowling lineup in this World Cup and Nortje’s comeback has helped Proteas to dominate well in the tournament.
David Miller saves South Africa
After restricting on 103 South Africa needed 104 runs to chase which felt like it would be finished early but the Netherlands had some different plans they too started well while defending such a low score in powerplay South Africa had lost their 4 wickets and scored just 16 runs which felt like Netherlands will keep their winning streak alive. But later David Miller and Tristan Stubbs stood and helped South Africa to reach near the target after the dismissal of Stubbs Netherlands felt they were back in the game but David Miller didn’t lose hope and finished the game by scoring a half-century. For the first time, South Africa beats the Netherlands in the ICC tournament. David Miller was adjourned as Player of the Match.
Unlucky Netherlands
Since no big score was registered yet Netherlands fought well and proved that they had the potential to fight enough with strong opposition. The Netherlands had a solid start in powerplay they took 4 wickets and had almost sidelined South Africa from the game but David Miller came as a survivor and took South Africa to the winning side. Bowlers gave their level best to defend the score but in the end, they remained on the losing side.
It was a great match to witness in New York, but again the pitch was not strong enough for batters to score runs and the questions will be raised again since curators need to check the pitches and roll the pitches properly.