Plucky Netherlands stun high-flying South Africa in World Cup

DHARAMSALA, India :The Netherlands caused a stunning upset by beating South Africa by 38 runs in a rain-shortened match to inflict a first defeat on the Proteas in the ongoing 50-overs World Cup in Dharamsala on Tuesday.

Beaten in their previous two matches, the plucky Dutch side overcame a top-order collapse to post a competitive 245-8 in the 43-overs-a-side contest.

Scott Edwards smashed a captain's knock of 78 not out to rescue the Netherlands, who were reeling at 82-5 in the 21st over but went on to post a decent total.

South Africa suffered a collapse of their own when they began their chase and Temba Bavuma's side were eventually bundled out for 207 en route to their first defeat in their opening three matches.

David Miller (43) and Keshav Maharaj (40) offered some resistance but the Netherlands, the only non-test playing nation in the tournament, could not be denied.

"Proud of the group. Putting in that performance and being able to play my part is nice," said Edwards, who was named player of the match.

"In the last couple of games our issue has been too many of our middle order being out before the end of the game.

"So I wanted to take it deep and hope a couple guys around me would chip in."

Two days after Afghanistan humbled defending champions England in New Delhi, the Netherlands earned their moment of glory though there were no early signs that it was on the cards.

South Africa had swept aside Sri Lanka and Australia in their first two matches and their bowlers blew away the Netherlands top order after Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to field.

Kagiso Rabada dismissed Vikramjit Singh for two and South Africa made smart use of reviews to get rid of Max O'Dowd (18) and Bas de Leede (two).

The Netherlands lost the