The Netherlands sent South Africa crashing out of the T20 World Cup on Sunday with a stunning 13-run victory in Adelaide which also propelled India into the semi-finals.
The latest in a series of shocks at this tournament left Bangladesh and Pakistan fighting it out for the final spot in the last four.
Table-toppers India are on six points and play Zimbabwe in Melbourne in the final match of Sunday’s triple header, the result of which will decide the final Super 12 standings and who faces whom in the semis.
Chasing 159 for victory after SA-born Colin Ackermann’s unbeaten 41, the Proteas faltered to end on 145-8, with SA-born Dutch fast bowler Brandon Glover returning impressive figures of 3-9 in two overs.
South Africa started on a jittery note with openers Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma out inside six overs with the score on 39.
The left-handed De Kock hit a four and six but soon fell caught behind to Fred Klaassen, for 13 off 13 balls, and Bavuma was bowled by Paul van Meekeren for a run-a-ball 20.
But it was Glover’s wicket of Rilee Rossouw that raised the Dutch hopes with the batsman, who hit the first century in this tournament, departing after a 19-ball 25.
The Proteas never looked convincing as Klaassen took down Aiden Markram (17 off 13 balls) and a Dutch shock started becoming a reality when Glover struck twice in one over.
He sent back the dangerous David Miller (run-a-ball 17) and then got Wayne Parnell caught behind for a second-ball duck as the wheels came off the South Africa chase – and with it, their World Cup hopes.
HIGHLIGHTS: Proteas vs Netherlands
Put in to bat first, the Dutch, who had only beaten Zimbabwe in the Super 12, started strongly with Stephan Myburgh’s 37 but lost their way. But then stepped in Ackermann.
He hit three fours and two sixes in his 26-ball knock and along with skipper Scott Edwards helped the team get 31 runs from the final two overs.
© Agence France-Presse