It’s another monumental day in the global event, as the Netherlands have bowled and fielded brilliantly to stave off the Proteas’ chase of 159.

Stephan Myburgh and Max O’Dowd got off to a positive start, scoring 48 in the Powerplay. The South African seamers worked hard to build pressure, but it wasn’t until the introduction of Aiden Markram’s part-time offspin when they got their first opening.

Tom Cooper confidently counterattacked with a brisk 18-ball 35, and it looked like SA would apply the squeeze when Keshav Maharaj claimed his second wicket.

However, it was a rough day for seamers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, as both went for more than 11 an over. In addition, Wayne Parnell’s expensive last over ensured that the Dutchmen would cross 150, with a solid unbeaten 41* from Colin Ackermann.

159 may have appeared to be straightforward, but the chase began with a stutter, as both Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma departed during the Powerplay.

The Netherlands excelled on the field, especially with short square boundaries. And every time a partnership was starting to build, they’d strike right away and push the Proteas batters back to defence.

Rilee Rossouw perished in the hopes of clearing the ropes, and Markram spooned a catch to short cover off the leading edge.

It all boiled down to David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, but a spectacular take from Roelof van der Merwe all but turned the game around. When Brandon Glover struck once again in the 16th over to dismiss Wayne Parnell, it was Klaasen or bust for SA.

After Klaasen holed out to deep midwicket, that sealed the deal for the men in orange. Keshav Maharaj but a maximum, but an injured hamstring kept him from running hard between the wickets. An accurate final over from the young Bas de Leede completed the formalities, as the Netherlands rounded off their tournament on the highest note.

South Africa’s hopes to make the semifinals have been wiped out, and there will be plenty of soul-searching to improve a side that looked to be making steady progress over the course of this year.

NED 158/4 (Ackermann 41*, Myburgh 37 – Maharaj 4-0-27-2)
SA 145/8 (Rossouw 25 – Glover 2-0-9-3)