ICC World Cup 2023: Netherlands warn top guns after shock win over South Africa

The Netherlands' Scott Edwards warned the top teams after his man-of-the-match performance in the team's stunning 38-run win over South Africa in a rain-shortened match in Dharamshala on Tuesday.

The fearless Dutch inflicted a first defeat on the Proteas in the ongoing 50-overs World Cup .

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.

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. Hopefully a few more wins to come," said Edwards.

"In both games we were in decent positions and then fell away. Nice to get in a few partnerships to get a total we thought was competitive. Am sure there's plenty of fans staying up and watching the game."

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 top half of their batting order by the 21st over before Edwards combined with Roelof van der Merwe to plunder 64 runs off 37 balls and take his side past the 200-mark.

Aryan Dutt smacked three sixes in his 23 not out to provide the late flourish.

After the spirited fightback in the second half of their innings, the Netherlands players had a spring in their step when they returned to defend the total.