The Proteas overcame their bogey team, the Netherlands, at last — but not without a fight.
South Africa’s Group D encounter against the Dutch appeared to be another one of those games where they would just not manage to beat them in a major tournament, despite being favourites to do so.
But from 12/4 in pursuit of 104, David Miller dug deep to get the job done.
The game had its fair share of twists and turns with the Netherlands seeking a third consecutive win over the Proteas in ICC tournaments.
Following an apology from the ICC for the way the pitch at the Nassau County international cricket ground has played, things were barely different — with the bowlers taking full control of the exhilarating affair in the Big Apple.
South Africa would fire first, with three wickets in the powerplay as Marco Jansen struck twice while Ottneil Baartman got Max ODowd out en route his figures of 4/11 in four overs.
In the middle, Sybrand Engelbrecht got a hard fought 40 off 45, but it would be “Miller time” in the latter part of the run chase.
South Africa’s top three scored just three runs between them, with Quinton de Kock and captain Aiden Markram both departing for ducks.
Vivian Kingma and Logan van Beek got two wickets apiece, with the Dutch threatening to defend their low score.
Tristan Stubbs got to 33 and Miller finished things off with 59 off 51 plus an over to spare and four wickets still in hand.
In the day’s other game, Australia left rivals England battling with no wins in two after defending 201 to win by 36 runs in Barbados.
Neutrals and die hards in the subcontinent will hope that the New York pitch eases up for Sunday’s colossal clash between India and Pakistan, with the action commencing at 16:30.
Pictured above: David Miller
Image source: @proteasmencsa
