Explained/ South Africa's biggest nightmare in World Cup cricket is now a team placed at 15th position

In a stunning turn of events, the Netherlands cricket team has once again emerged as South Africa's nemesis, marking a significant upset in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. On a memorable Tuesday, the Dutch defeated the Proteas, a side known for its cricketing prowess, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world. This victory adds to the Netherlands' growing reputation as a giant slayer, and it's not the first time they have left South Africa reeling in an ICC tournament. 

3 things you need to know

• The Netherlands defeated South Africa by 38 runs in the ODI World Cup 2023
• This is the second biggest upset of this year's Cricket World Cup
• The Dutch team had earlier defeated the Proteas in the T20 World Cup 

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The Netherlands' Ongoing Dominance Over South Africa in ICC Events

A year prior, the Dutch squad ousted South Africa from the T20 World Cup in Australia, eliminating them from the semifinal race. This recurring storyline showcased the Netherlands' uncanny ability to disrupt South Africa's ICC aspirations, despite not being an ICC full-member team and currently residing at the 15th spot in the ODI rankings. The Netherlands' knack for pulling off upsets against South Africa is becoming an established pattern in ICC competitions. These underdog triumphs raise questions about the Proteas' performance in high-stakes matches and their ability to tackle teams outside the traditional cricketing powerhouses. 

The Netherlands were far behind when they lost the toss and were asked to bat first by South Africa. South African bowlers were all over the Dutch side, which lost 5 wickets for just 82 runs on the board. However, Scott Edwards played the captain's knock and helped his team post a fighting total of 245/8 in 43 overs in the end. The match was interrupted by rain and the play was reduced to 43 overs per side. It appeared like South Africa would have no problem chasing down the target but the Netherlands had a different plan in mind. They bowled out Proteas for 207, thus winning by 38 runs. 

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The T20 World Cup Deja Vu

The Dutch team's victory in the T20 World Cup last year was a precursor to their recent World Cup conquest. The Netherlands beat South Africa by 13 runs to win that T20 match in the World Cup. This win highlighted the Netherlands' determination and ability to perform under pressure, sending the Proteas packing, and reiterating their position as South Africa's biggest nightmare. The Netherlands' rising profile as an ICC giant killer is a remarkable story.