South Africa vs Netherlands comes to be a bigger match for group 2. Pakistan’s hopes are riding on the Dutch pulling off yet another surprise in a tournament full of them. As Wayne Parnell put it, “South Africa has advanced to the knockout stages.” They need to overcome the Netherlands to advance to the semi-finals, and many would have believed so pre-tournament, but this has been a World Cup of shocks, and perhaps there’s one more.
South Africa vs Netherlands
The Netherlands appeared to be slowly improving after nearly defeating Bangladesh in their Super 12 opener, but then they ran into India and Pakistan and fell apart. They could have considered this campaign a waste if they had also lost to Zimbabwe, but they rebounded and now have the potential to leave on a strong note – and do Pakistan a favor.
Must Win Match for South Africa
If the Netherlands beat South Africa in the first of three Group 2 games on Sunday, Pakistan will advance to the semi-finals with a win over Bangladesh. If South Africa wins, the outcome of the second match between Pakistan and Bangladesh will determine what India must accomplish to qualify.
The Netherlands and South Africa have only played one T20I against each other, although they have significant recent history. Last November, the Netherlands was in South Africa for a three-match World Cup Super League ODI series when the omicron variety of Covid-19 struck, forcing them to abandon the tour early, but not before taking 10 points off South Africa in a washed-out match.
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South Africa will host the Netherlands again in April 2023, and those matches are critical to ensure their automatic qualifying for the ODI World Cup, thus the match has broader importance. There’s also the obvious niggle: the Netherlands are coached by a South African, Ryan Cook, and have up to four South African-born players on their roster.
South Africa’s strategy has mainly worked, but there is still work to be done in the batting area. They will see this game as a final chance to bring players like Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs into shape, as well as a chance to prove whether they can justify the favorites tag bestowed on them just a few days ago.
Read Also: India vs Zimbabwe, A Must Win Match for India
Pacers Attack from South Africa
Kagiso Rabada has been unnoticed in a pace pack that seemed to have it all. He has only taken two wickets in four matches so far, but he has the greatest economy rate of any South African bowler. Line-ups have identified Rabada as a bowler they can target in dealing with Parnell’s swing, Anrich Nortje’s speed, and Lungi Ngidi’s spate of slower balls, which is unlikely to sit well with him. Although he has long avoided being referred to be the attack’s captain, Rabada is South Africa’s most experienced bowler, and he will want to put in a strong effort as the tournament nears its conclusion.