With two splendid victories, South Africa were looking a totally different side as if on a mission, determined to set aside the disappointments of the years gone by. They were to face Netherlands at Dharamshala and though the Dutch had beaten them in the T20 World Cup last year, the odds were heavily loaded in favour of the Proteas. But Cricket is as unpredictable as the English weather and so it was realised.
A Surprising Decision
It had rained in the mountains and the beautiful Dharamshala Stadium was under the covers. The rain had reduced the match to 43 over a side. South Africa won the toss and very surprisingly opted to field. They were doing extremely well batting first with two-ton de Kock in amazing form. This decision itself played a big part in SA’s undoing. The Dutch were 112 for 6, but then a rear guard action from captain Scott Edwards and Roeluf van der Merwe changed the complexion of the game. The Proteas too bowled badly in that period and sprayed the ball all over the place.
Brilliant Edwards & Indisciplined Proteas
21 wides were bowled by the South African bowlers, a record of sorts and in total conceded 32 extras ( which was the second-highest score of the Dutch innings ). SA had been very loose and eventually Netherlands accumulated a healthy 245 runs in just 43 overs. Edwards scored a terrific 78. It was a true captain’s knock.
A Challenging Chase
The target though was gettable, it still was a challenging one and without a doubt, the South Africans were feeling the pressure when they came out to bat. Their body language said it all. With all due respect to Temba Bavuma, he appears a bit misfit for white ball cricket in today’s times. As usual, he got stuck at the crease just consuming deliveries while the pressure began to build on Quinton de Kock on the other end.
SA Succumb to A Dutch Strategic Masterclass
The Dutch had done their homework well and introduced spin from both ends in the power play ( hardly seen this ) to counter de Kock. He loves pace and the Dutch gave him none and eventually were rewarded with his wicket. Bavuma followed soon after, bowled by van der Merwe. Aiden Markram missed a straight one and was castled and suddenly when Rassie van der Dussen departed, the Proteas were 4 down for nothing. They never recovered. The Dutch bowled tight lines, fielded brilliantly and gave nothing away. No wonder several South African batters were bowled and the team simply succumbed to the pressure and wilted to a painful defeat. An incredible turnaround.
Bavuma Needs To Rise
The Dutch victory surprised many, but in my opinion, the way the Dutch have played ( they put up strong performances in their early two games ), this win was not a fluke and they can surprise any team in the competition. The Proteas have had a reality check. They are still fragile when it comes to nerves. Put them under pressure and they might crack. Their juggernaut has been halted a bit and this loss might well play on their minds when they are put to chase under lights again. Temba Bavuma needs to play more positively. His performance is vital upfront. The Bowling too needs to be disciplined and I hope their performance against the Dutch was an aberration.
A Brain Fade Moment
After an emphatic victory over England, Afghanistan were looking to spring another upset when they squared up against the formidable New Zealand side at Chennai. The Chepauk pitch was tailor-made for the Afghan spinners and an interesting game was on the cards. However, a brain fade moment appeared upfront and Afghanistan opted to field after winning the toss. They are best at defending and with the pitch in their favour it was common sense to bat first, put a score on the board and then defend it. But the Afghans shot themselves in the foot right at the start.
Afghani Butter Fingers and Kiwis Make Merry
The victory against England still loomed in their heads so to say as Afghanistan went on a catch-dropping spree. It appeared as if the Afghans had butter fingers as they dropped sitters with amazing consistency. New Zealand are a great side and they capitalised wholeheartedly and punished the Afghan bowling when the time came. Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips and Will Young scored 50s and ensured a challenging 288 runs. The absence of Kane Williamson was not felt at all. The Afghanistan team had already conceded momentum to the Kiwis ( they had them at 110/4 at one point in time ) and the chase was looking ominous.
NZ – Runaway Winners
As I had thought, the Afghan batters struggled big time under lights. Matt Henry and Trent Boult came strongly after them and buttressed their progress. Gurbaz went early and very soon it was curtains. Lockie Ferguson and Mitch Santner bowled brilliantly too. The Afghans had no answer. They were hard-pressed to survive, let alone play shots and their misery soon came to an end with a massive 149 runs defeat. The Kiwis were consistent and showed the depth they have in their team as they remain unbeaten in the tournament alongwith India.
A Poor Show From Afghanistan
Afghanistan put up a poor show right from the start. Though their bowling was not bad, their fielding and particularly their catching was appalling, to say the least. They have undone all the good work which they had extracted against England and would need to restart their campaign when they play Pakistan next.
The Proteas losing their match has further opened up the table and has made it much more interesting, as India take on Bangladesh today at Pune in an other exciting encounter.
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in