The Netherlands have entered the World Cup with more than just participation in mind. They aspire to make it to the 2023 World Cup semi-finals and are driven by a passionate desire to defeat the best in cricket.

Their recent clash with South Africa at Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium showcased their unwavering commitment as they triumphed by 38 runs on a pitch seemingly tailored to favour South African pacers. Despite the reduced match duration of 43 overs per side, this performance underscores that the Dutch are no fleeting phenomenon.

Captain Scott Edwards encapsulates a winning philosophy, emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning and unwavering belief in their ability to conquer any opposition. The Dutch’s challenging journey to World Cup qualification, as the sole associate member, signifies their mettle. They earned their place by outperforming established teams like Ireland, Zimbabwe, and West Indies in the qualifiers.

Even when faced with a dire situation at 140 for seven, Edwards orchestrated a remarkable recovery, amassing an unbeaten 78 off 69 balls, propelling his team to a competitive 245 for eight. Their tenacity extended to dismissing South Africa for 207 in 42.5 overs. It’s this resilience and collective spirit that differentiates them on their quest for World Cup glory.