South Africa overcome scare to defeat Netherlands

South Africa survived an early scare before David Miller led them to a nail-biting four-wicket victory over the Netherlands in the Twenty20 World Cup on Long Island, New York on Saturday.

Miller hit an unbeaten 59 off 51 balls as South Africa scored 106 for six in 18.5 overs, replying to the Dutch total of 103 for nine.

South Africa won for the second time in a row in Group D, while the Netherlands suffered their first defeat after they beat Nepal in Dallas.

When the Dutch batted, they were immediately put under pressure by tall opener Marco Jansen and had only scored 35-4 after 10 overs.

They increased the run rate near the end of their innings when Sybrand Engelbrecht and Logan van Beek shared a 54-run partnership for the seventh wicket before South African-born Engelbrecht was bowled for 40 in the final over.

Ottneil Baartman, a newcomer, took three wickets in the final over to finish with 4-11, while Jansen and Anrich Nortje each claimed two wickets.

The Netherlands took a wicket with the first ball of South Africa's innings, as hesitant calling caused a mix-up and Quinton de Kock was run out without seeing a ball.

That sparked a panic as Reeza Hendricks was bowled and captain Aiden Markram caught down the leg side, dropping South Africa to 3-3.

After Heinrich Klaasen was dismissed in the fifth over, South Africa were 12-4 before Stubbs and Miller set about achieving the modest target with a 65-run partnership.

When Stubbs fell in the 17th over, 27 runs were still needed for victory, but Miller guided his team over the line.

South Africa play Bangladesh on Monday, while the Dutch play Bangladesh on Thursday.

SportsLigue