In defeat to the Netherlands, the Proteas have surrendered the option of a low-pressure path to the World Cup semi-finals. The next fortnight will reveal what they’re made of, writes RYAN VREDE.
South Africa should not lose to the Netherlands. Period. There is no justification for a loss to a side comprised of inferior cricketers by every metric that matters.
The result is a national embarrassment. The players, seven of whom were part of the team that lost to the Netherlands at the T20 World Cup last year, should be ashamed. Coach Rob Walter and his coaching staff should take responsibility for a flat performance.
They had the Netherlands at 140-7 before Scott Edwards, and South African-born Roelof van der Merwe, laid into them. The Proteas folded under the pressure of the counterattack, missing line and length, and allowing the world’s 14th-ranked team to post 245 in a rain-reduced 43 overs.
The batting performance that followed was the worst in the calendar year, and when their fifth wicket fell with just 89 on the board, the match was gone barring a miracle.
HIGHLIGHTS: Proteas vs Netherlands (2023 CWC)
I’ve been generous in my praise of this team, before and during the tournament. But there is no redeeming quality I can reach for after Tuesday’s travesty.
This leaves the Proteas with a complex path to navigate if they hope to make the semi-finals. Suddenly Saturday’s match against defending champions England (who have lost twice but are yet to play the bottom-placed teams), Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, carries a measure of pressure that would not have existed had the Proteas beaten the Netherlands.
South Africa beat England 2-1 in a home ODI series earlier this year, and come into the match as favourites. Yet this team has historically been poor under pressure at the World Cup. It took a small squeeze from the Netherlands, the first real exertion of pressure on South Africa at the tournament, for things to unravel quickly.
England have started poorly, but they’ve negotiated such pressure before, including losing two on the bounce at the last World Cup and then winning the tournament in a Super Over.
Defeat to England would leave the Proteas likely having to win at least four of their next five fixtures against Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand, India, and Afghanistan, to make the semi-finals.
At the time of writing, New Zealand and India were unbeaten, Pakistan (who were ranked No 1 until a week before the tournament) appeared to be finding their groove, and Afghanistan defied expectations.
The Proteas are still in control of their World Cup destiny. They remain a good side, laden with world-class talent. Yet a World Cup campaign rewards teams who have talent and temperament in equal measure.
The next three weeks will expose this Proteas team as either being another beautiful letdown or men with mettle.
REACTION: Proteas hurt by shock loss – Bavuma
Photo: Pankaj Nangia/Gallo Images
