SHOCKER AS PROTEAS BOOTED OUT
WHOOPS … it’s happened again.
There’s an unfortunate saying in cricket that World Cups are not officially over until South Africa stumbles under pressure and trips over their own bootlaces.
It happened again at Adelaide Oval on Sunday and it was numbing to watch as the unsung and truly inspired Netherlands turned the Proteas blue in the face as they crashed to a 13-run loss.
The Netherlands, playing with blissful freedom of expression, scored 4-158 before a sweaty palmed South Africa, batting with the intensity of Year 12 students in their final exams, responded with a limp 8-145.
The result eliminated South Africa from the World Cup and opened the door for a possible iconic rematch of India and Pakistan in the final if Pakistan could beat Bangladesh in their final pool game.
South African captain Temba Bavuma played his part in the demise by making the poor decision to bowl first after winning the toss.
Sadly, South Africa’s batting was a nerve-ridden shambles in a run chase in which they were always going to be carrying a historical ball and chain.
Even when South Africa needed more than two a ball, they were batting as if singles were enough.
Chasing 159 for victory after man-of-the-match Colin Ackermann’s unbeaten 41, South Africa faltered to end on 8-145, with Dutch fast bowler Brandon Glover returning impressive figures of 3-9 in two overs.
“Hard one to swallow. We had the confidence and belief in ourselves as a unit to make the play-offs,” South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma said.
“Unfortunately for us, we couldn’t do it. Winning the toss and bowling, what they got wasn’t ideal.
“We lost wickets at crucial times. They used the dimensions of the field a lot better than we did.”
A jubilant Dutch skipper Scott Edwards said: “Lost for words.”