Proteas limited-over coach Rob Walter was optimistic about the future of South African cricket after they formally concluded their 2022/23 season with a 2-0 win over the Netherlands in the Betway one-day international Series that concluded in Johannesburg on Sunday.

The result capped a strong home summer for the hosts, who also beat England 2-1 in their 50-over series and then drew 1-1 with West Indies, who they lost a thrilling T20 international series 2-1 to but beat the islanders 2-0 in their test series.

All this after an underwhelming first half of the term, which included a disappointing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup exit. Since then, Walter has taken over as coach of the white ball team and Shukri Conrad placed in charge of the red-ball side.

The outcome against the Dutch also moved the Proteas ahead of West Indies in the race for ICC World Cup qualification where only one team can now catch them on the ICC World Cup Super League table. That team is Ireland who will have to whitewash Bangladesh next month.

South Africa have now done their part in the Cricket World Cup Super League ??

All eyes on Ireland and how they do against Bangladesh ?? pic.twitter.com/840fdIivFF

— SuperSport ?? (@SuperSportTV) April 2, 2023

“It’s always good to get a series win, so the spirits are high,” Walter said afterwards. “Most importantly were the 20 points in the context of qualifying for the World Cup was hugely important, so we’re happy we got the job done there.

“We played a portion of the second game really well, but we were off the mark in certain other areas so there’s work to do still. But we’ll take the win for now.”

There was plenty of concern over the Proteas at the turn of the year, but Walters believes there is nothing to fear.

“I’ve kept a close eye on South African cricket over the last few years, so I’m very aware of the people that are playing but the one thing that has really run through over the last couple of weeks is the actual resources and potential of the side, which is really significant,” he explained. “It’s just about harnessing that properly as we move forward.”

MARKRAM AND MAGALA SHINE

The Proteas coach was also full of praise for Aiden Markram, who has enjoyed a stellar home summer, which included leading Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the inaugural SA20 title, followed by Player of the Series displays in the tests against West Indies and the ODIs against the Dutch.

“I think he’s been doing It for a couple of weeks now to be honest,” Walter added. “His knock at Willowmoore (Park in the second ODI) was also outstanding, if you think of the first shot he played when guys were struggling all day.

“He stood up tall, played it on the up and hit it for four, so his cricket is orthodox, but the purity of his timing has been amazing and his decision-making has been great.”

Markram himself was also pleased with the way things had turned around for him in the last few months. The 28-year-old, named South Africa’s new T20I captain last month, recorded a career best in Sunday’s win where he smashed 175 (126 balls, 17 fours, 7 sixes) in what was his 50th match for his country. His score was also the joint-sixth highest by an SA player in ODIs out of a total of 370 for eight.

The Sauce was real at the #BetwayPinkODI #SAvNED #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/B3leqxkGSR

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) April 3, 2023

“I’ve enjoyed the last part of the season quite a bit,” he said. “I think we have a great team in both red-ball and white-ball formats. There’s a great bunch of guys that we have together. There’s no doubt that we’re slowly but surely getting there and showing some good signs as a team.

“We’re on this new journey that everyone is speaking about and the brand of cricket that the guys want to play, it’s starting to take some shape, which is exciting to be a part of and exciting to see it from the outside as well. All of that added together has made the journey so far a great joy to be part of.”

Another man that has enjoyed an excellent summer has been Sisanda Magala. The seamer, whose performances have also won him a contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL), claimed a career-best five for 43 as the Dutch were bowled out for 224.

“I think with Sisi he’s a very basic guy and if he’s got backing then he’s going to break his back for you,” Markram added. “That’s sort of the way he approaches things. I think he’s felt that backing through the last few performances, naturally a player feels it that now they belong at this level, they can compete and they can win games at this level which he has shown now quite a few times.

“It’s great for him to have these achievements that he’s getting especially through the bit of history he’s had in this environment. The guys love him, he’s great value in the changeroom and when he does well everyone in in the team is over the moon for him.”

??????????#BetwayPinkODI #SAvNED #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/fBZQIYTtHA

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) April 3, 2023

A mammoth maiden century from Aiden Markram, along with a maiden five-wicket haul from Sisanda Magala helped the Proteas clinch a massive 146-run win over the Netherlands in the third and final Betway ODI at DP World Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.

Markram slammed his way to a brilliant 175 off just 126 balls, crashing 17 fours and seven sixes to power the Proteas to a mammoth 370/8 in their 50 overs batting first.

The Netherlands could only respond with 224 all out, as Magala finished with top figures of 5-43 in nine overs, with four of his scalps bowled in a superb showing of accurate fast bowling.

Chasing a big total meant the Netherlands needed to get their chase off to a good start and opener Vikramjit Singh tried to do that as he struck five boundaries in a quickfire 21 off 18 balls, but was then bowled by Marco Jansen with the score 23/1 in the fourth over.

This brought innings top scorer Musa Ahmad (61) in to join Max O’Dowd (47) and they set about resurrecting the innings with an 85-run second-wicket stand.

Having taken their side past the hundred run mark in the 17th over, the Netherlands then lost their second wicket at the start of the 19th as O’Dowd chopped on a ball from Magala to reduce them to 108/2.

Ahmad found another willing partner in Wesley Barresi (29) and they took their side over the 150-run mark in the 26th over, with them well in the chase at that stage.

However Markram couldn’t do any wrong, with him introduced into the attack and immediately picked up the important wicket of Ahmad in his first over, with a stunning catch from Heinrich Klaasen sending the batter on his way.

That breakthrough started a regular procession of wickets as the Netherlands lost their last eight wickets for 73 runs to fall well short of the Proteas score in the end.

Magala played a large part in that as he picked up four of those eight wickets, while Markram picked up another as well to end with figures of 2-40 for a brilliant all-round performance.

MARKRAM AND MILLER SHOW

In the Proteas innings it was a fantastic 199-run fifth-wicket partnership between Markram and David Miller, who crunched 91 off 61 balls (9x4; 4x6) that set them up for their massive score.

Miller arrived at the crease to join Markram with the Proteas on 145/4 in the 26th over, and they built a platform as they moved the score to 230/4 after 38 overs, with Markram reaching his century along the way.

The two then decided to unleash as they hammered 113-runs off the next seven overs as they powered the Proteas to 343/4 at the end of the 45th over.

Both batters fell in quick succession as Markram found the fielder at long-on off the bowling of Fred Klaasen, while Miller (91 of 61 balls) skied Paul van Meekeren straight up to take the catch off his own bowling to end the fun as they slipped to 347/6 at the start of the 47th over.

At the start of play the Proteas' innings got off to a poor start as they lost two wickets in the powerplay.

Openers Temba Bavuma (6) and Quinton de Kock (8) both struggled to get going before Vivian Kingma had them both caught, by Wesley Barresi and Tom Cooper respectively to reduce the Proteas to 32/2 in the eighth over.

This brought Markram to the crease to join Rassie van der Dussen (25) and they set about rebuilding the innings with a 62-run third wicket stand.

But as in the previous ODI on Friday, having gotten himself in and looking in decent nick, Van Der Dussen then got himself out, pulling a wide ball down the leg side straight to Van Meekeren off the bowling of Aryan Dutt with them on 94/3.

Heinrich Klaasen (28) was next in and combined with Markram for a 51-run partnership, which included him reaching his half century in style with a big six over the deep square leg boundary.

Just as they were looking to kick on Klaasen tried to pull a short ball from Shariz Ahmad, only to get a top edge for keeper Scott Edwards to run around and take a good catch to send him on his way.

However this brought Miller in to join Markram and they combined for a monstrous partnership to smash the Proteas into a position of dominance.

After both batters lost their wickets the lower order managed to knock a few extra runs to get the Proteas to their final total.

South Africa have now done their part in the Cricket World Cup Super League ??

All eyes on Ireland and how they do against Bangladesh ?? pic.twitter.com/840fdIivFF

— SuperSport ?? (@SuperSportTV) April 2, 2023

SOUTH AFRICA: Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Sisanda Magala, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

NETHERLANDS: Vikram Singh, Max O’Dowd, Musa Ahmad, Wesley Barresi, Scott Edwards, Tom Cooper, Shariz Ahmad, Aryan Dutt, Vivian Kingma, Paul van Meekeren, Fred Klaasen

A scorching third-wicket partnership of 102 in 69 balls between Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram enabled South Africa to complete a comfortable eight-wicket win for South Africa over the Netherlands in their ODI at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Friday night.

Chasing 190 for victory on a cold, blustery day in Benoni, the pair transformed the innings as they raced through the gears to take their team to victory with a full 20 overs to spare. Bavuma struck eight fours and a six in his unbeaten 90 – his third ODI half-century to go with four hundreds – while Markram raced to 51 (7x4s, 1x6) in just 39 balls, his sixth half-century in the format.

The innings ended with a turbo-charged injection of aggression from the pair after the home team had begun their task relatively conservatively, losing Quinton de Kock early and Rassie van der Dussen for 31. De Kock got a top edge to a sweep off offspinner Aryan Dutt while Van der Dussen spliced a pull off Paul van Meekeren to midwicket.

It was Markram who provided the initial gunpowder to change the tone of the innings while Bavuma quickly responded to his input as the Netherlands’ bowlers received some severe punishment.

The teams meet again in the “Pink” ODI at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Sunday (9.30am) with South Africa needing to win again to give themselves their best chance of automatic qualification for the World Cup in India in October and November.

Earlier, Tabraiz Shamsi and Sisanda Magala shared six wickets as South Africa dismissed the Netherlands for 189 in 46.1 overs after Bavuma had won the toss and inserted the opposition.

Shamsi, whose control was much better than his efforts in the recent series against the West Indies, took 3/25 in his full spell of 10 overs while Magala claimed 3/37 in eight overs. Anrich Nortje was his usual reliable self with 2/24 but the unluckiest bowler of the lot was Marco Jansen, who beat the bat time and again during the first powerplay without any luck as his swing and seam proved too good for the Netherlands’ batters. He was rewarded at the death, however, with the first ball of his second spell as he caught and bowled tailender Fred Klaassen to finish off the innings.

The Netherlands’ innings had begun promisingly with 20-year-old Vikram Singh particularly impressive, pulling three sixes – including two magnificent blows off Kagiso Rabada – in his 45 off 53 balls as he and Max O’Dowd put on 58 for the first wicket.

But with the departure of O’Dowd and Singh, the run rate slowed significantly as wickets fell regularly with only Teja Nidamanuru (48 in 71 balls, including three sixes) taking the attack to the bowlers.

It appeared that the Netherlands, without a number of their top players, hoped to bat through their overs but in the end they were unable to do so as the Proteas’ bowlers shifted to a fuller length and a straighter line as the innings progressed.

Shamsi received excellent assistance from wicketkeeper De Kock who pulled off two lightning stumpings, the first down the legside to get rid of Shariz Ahmed and the second towards the end of the innings to dismiss Paul van Meekeren.

SOUTH AFRICA: Temba Bavuma (capt), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Sisanda Magala, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

NETHERLANDS: Vikram Singh, Max O'Dowd, Musa Ahmed, Wesley Barresi, Scott Edwards, Teja Nidamanuru, Shariz Ahmad, Aryan Dutt, Ryan Klein, Paul van Meekeren, Fred Klaasen

Wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock says the Proteas are approaching their important clash against the Netherlands in the second Betway one-day international as any other game ahead of the showdown at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Friday.

South Africa have plenty riding on the remaining two games of the series, which they need to win in order to finish in the top eight of the ICC World Cup Super League table and automatically qualify for the finals in India later this year.

“Everyone knows the importance of these two games, but we’re just treating them like any other games,” De Kock told the media on Thursday.

“We just have to make sure we come prepared and come out running. We know it won’t be easy, but we need to be professional and play the way we know we can. If we can do that, everything else should take care of itself.”

A new series awaits ??#SAvNED #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/E4wbq49TUi

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 30, 2023

The Proteas have been on the upward trajectory in ODIs in recent months, beating England and then drawing with West Indies in their most recent home series.

They did, however, lose to the island nation in their most recent T20 International assignment – a thrilling three-game sequence that ended 2-1 to the tourists.

De Kock said: “It’s obviously quite nice that the guys got to spend time in the middle and found form during the West Indies series. We were disappointed to lose the series, but we were happy with the way we played.”

South Africa have also been playing some noticeably attracting cricket in recent months and the dashing opener says they are trying to be smarter about the way they were playing.

“We’re obviously trying to play an aggressive brand of cricket, but we’re also trying to be clever in the way we go about things… making sure we choose the right options, not just double stepping and trying to hit sixes all the time, it doesn’t work like that especially in the longer format,” he said. “We need to be clever, we need to be strategic with how we want to get more boundaries in a sense and build a bigger strike rate.

“So we are trying to attack more, but it’s a work in process for us. We know we will fail from time to time, but it’s been working for us and the guys are really enjoying it. It looks like the guys are really coming together with regard to this new way we want to go about playing.”

Quinton de Kock provides some insight into the mood in the #Proteas camp ahead of the #SAvNED series ????#BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/kUkFBF6lAH

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 30, 2023

The match in Benoni is the first for the South Africans since they played Ireland in what was captain Temba Bavuma’s ODI debut match in September 2016.

Speaking about the venue, De Kock added: “It’s nice to be back here in Benoni. It’s been a while since my last game here, which was probably Temba’s debut. It’s generally a pretty decent wicket, hopefully the rain stays away so we can get down to playing some good cricket.”

PROTEAS ODI SQUAD AGAINST NETHERLANDS

Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).

FIXTURES<.strong>

Friday, 31 March at 1pm

South Africa v Netherlands – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

Sunday, 2 April at 10am (Betway Pink Day)

South Africa v Netherlands – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

The action continues as we now host the Netherlands in 2? ODIs, including the big one!#PinkODI comes your way on Sunday, 2 April

Grab your tickets today ??? https://t.co/3yqgwonw6l#SAvNED #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/3pa9ybJ1Sr

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 29, 2023

In any other circumstances the Netherlands visit to South Africa to play one-day internationals against the Proteas would be regarded a rare and treasured opportunity to compete against one of the best teams in the world with hopes and expectations suitably limited. But these are exceptional circumstances.

The hosts have to win in order to qualify automatically for the World Cup in India in October and the visitors are still dining out on their famous victory against the Proteas in Adelaide last year which eliminated them from the T20 World Cup.

The two ODIs, scheduled for Willowmore Park in Benoni on Friday (1:00pm) and the Wanderers on Sunday at 10:00am, are the completion of a three-match series which started on November 26, 2021, but was then postponed because a new strain of Covid meant the Dutch players might not be able to return home if the series had been completed.

In that game at Supersport Park South Africa limped to 209-7 before being rescued by a late blitz from Andile Phehlukwayo who smashed 48 from 22 balls to steer the Proteas to a respectable 277-8. The Netherlands reached 11-0 before rain ended the match and the decision was made for the tourists to return home.

In order to mitigate against any similar scares South Africa announced a full-strength squad for the two matches including all nine of their IPL players who will consequently miss one or two of the first two games, depending on their Franchise fixtures. It was a bold decision by CSA and another indicator of how much is riding on victory. Should the Proteas not win, they will have to pre-qualify in a 10-team tournament in Harare in June featuring hosts Zimbabwe, Ireland, Scotland and one of Sri Lanka or the West Indies among other potentially awkward opponents.

Despite their difficult Dutch memories Temba Bavuma’s team should be bristling with confidence and self-belief following an ODI series victory against England and a rumbustious final ODI against the West Indies which saw them chase down 267 with over 20 overs to spare.

The greatest danger to what should, ordinarily, be a demolition of the Dutch will be a concern for the consequences of defeat. What if they don’t win? What if they have to go to Harare and pre-qualify? What if they don’t reach the World Cup, just four years before they are hosting it? New coach Rob Walter has quickly instilled a sense of joy and admonition of the ‘fear of failure’ to the white ball teams. He just needs to ensure that remains.

The Dutch, meanwhile, have nothing to lose. They will be without three of their best players – South Africans Colin Ackermann and Brandon Glover and allrounder Bas de Leede – who are occupied with pre-season commitments with their English counties. But they remain a competent and skilful outfit always capable of causing upsets. And they still have Roelof van der Merwe.

SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD: Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Wayne Parnell, Marco Jansen, Bjorn Fortuin, Sisande Magala, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi.

NETHERLANDS SQUAD: Scott Edwards (captain), Musa Nadeem Ahmad, Shariz Ahmad, Wesley Barresi, Tom Cooper, Aryan Dutt, Vivian Kingma, Fred Klaassen, Ryan Klein, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Teja Nidamanuru, Max O'Dowd, Vikram Singh.

Make South Africa v Netherlands a favourite in your app.

South Africa take on Netherlands on home soil. There are two ODIs.

First up, log in, if you haven't already, by creating a profile. That way the app remembers you and serves you the content you want. The All/Favourites toggle allows you to switch between your Favourites or All in the Scores section.

Once logged in, click on the Profile button at the top-right of the screen, click on My Favourites, then Cricket, then South Africa v Netherlands.

It's that simple - and now you won't miss a thing as the Proteas fight it out against Netherlands . . .

----------------------------------------------------

The SuperSport App is available in all countries, and is free to download and use. No need for a DStv subscription.

It is currently available from the Google Play, Apple App Stores, and Huawei AppGallery, so use the links below from your mobile device to download now.

Download instructions:

Android

iOS

Huawei

--------------------------------------------

Two end-of-season one-day international matches between South Africa and the Netherlands would not normally attract much attention -– but the games this weekend are crucial for the Proteas.

The hosts have yet to qualify for the Cricket World Cup in India in October and November.

They need to win both World Cup Super League matches to have a realistic chance of booking their place in world cricket's showpiece.

Even with two wins, there is still an outside chance of being pipped by Ireland, although they will have to pull off a 3-0 upset series win against Bangladesh in May.

The matches in Benoni and Johannesburg are the second and third matches of a series which started in November 2021. The first match was rained off and the remaining games were postponed because of a Covid-19 scare.

Now, with South African days becoming shorter and the chill of autumn starting to bite, the Netherlands will take on a full-strength home team with several of their own best players unavailable.

Among those missing are five of the Dutch side that inflicted on South Africa one of their most humiliating setbacks –- a defeat in last year's T20 World Cup which cost South Africa a place in the semifinals.

South African-born Colin Ackermann, who was man of the match in the upset in Adelaide, has English county commitments as have Brandon Glover and Bas de Leede. Roelof van der Merwe was a late withdrawal and Logan van Beek is in New Zealand.

The Netherlands have some capable players, including batsmen Max O'Dowd, Tom Cooper and Scott Edwards and seam bowlers Fred Klaassen and Paul van Meekeren but South Africa will be clear favourites.

The Netherlands were beaten 2-1 in a one-day series in Zimbabwe before arriving in South Africa and lost to a South African invitational team in a warm-up game in Pretoria on Tuesday.

But the Proteas cannot afford any slip-ups, even to the extent of ensuring they do not add to the two over-rate penalties they have already incurred in the league.

With the possibility of rain showers on Friday, they will also be hoping for an uninterrupted match as they seek to add to a perfect 9-0 record at Willowmoore Park, which has not hosted a one-day international since September 2016.

Squads:

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (capt), Quinton de Kock (wk), Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.

Netherlands: Scott Edwards (capt, wk), Musa Ahmad, Shariz Ahmad, Wesley Barresi, Tom Cooper, Aryan Dutt, Vivian Kingma, Fred Klaassen, Ryan Klein, Paul van Meekeren, Teja Nidamanuru, Max O'Dowd, Vikramjit Singh.

FIXTURES:

March 31, Benoni (day-night)

April 2, Johannesburg (day)

Another iconic chapter is set to be added to the remarkable legacy story of the Betway Pink ODI when the Proteas take on the Netherlands at the DP World Wanderers Stadium on 2 April.

The Pink ODI has always been a flagship fixture on the South African cricket calendar, and this year promises to be one of the most memorable occasions in the 11-year history of this worthy event.

On Sunday, the Proteas will once again pitch up in pink - and all supporters are encouraged to do the same - in support of breast cancer awareness, education, early detection, treatment and research.

This year also marks the sixth anniversary of the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital Breast Care Unit benefiting from the proceeds of this remarkable sporting event. Through the now entrenched #BePartOfIt and #PledgePink campaign, cancer patients have been able to obtain specialised treatment and care, regardless of geographical location or socioeconomic status.

The hospital, which is one of the biggest in the southern hemisphere, has over 1 000 beds and on an annual basis treats more than 200 000 patients. The Breast Care Unit - run by a team of dedicated specialists and nurses - specifically sees up to 350 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer every year and provides a service to seven district hospitals from Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo to even further afield.

The Betway Pink ODI has always sought to extend a hand to uplift those who have been affected by this devastating disease, and since the inception of this multi-faceted fixture in 2013, over R7 million has been raised from sponsors, fans, Cricket South Africa and the players themselves in support of breast cancer.

For cricket fans across South Africa, and abroad, the ‘Pink Day’ has become one of the most popular and well-attended sports fixtures in the country, and this year promises to be no different.

In fact, in celebration of this special occasion that recognises the power of the human spirit, CSA will be activating a host of new matchday experiences that will offer world-class entertainment to spectators, including a unique halftime show.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s occasion, Proteas ODI captain Temba Bavuma said it was certainly a day that “holds a special place in our hearts”.

“As a team, we will be pitching up in pink, and every player will be mindful of the fact that we are playing for more than just a cricket result. The Pink ODI is a special occasion as we support raising awareness for an incredible cause that aids in both treatment and care for a disease that affects so many people.

“This is one of the most meaningful legacy projects in South African cricket, and we cannot wait to play our part in front of what I’m sure will be a massive crowd of supporters who have all pitched up in pink.”

These sentiments were echoed by CSA Chief Executive, Pholetsi Moseki, as he looked ahead to Sunday’s spectacle.

“The Betway Pink ODI serves as a rallying cry to all the cricket-loving community to open their hearts and give generously to a notable cause. It’s a day where we can celebrate the incredible work of the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, as well as recognise survivors at the same time that we fondly remember those who have lost their lives to cancer.

“Dressing up in pink has become so synonymous with this cause, and we encourage people from all walks of life to make their presence felt as we aim to elevate the legacy of this iconic event to new heights.”

Besides a percentage of gate-takings going towards the Pink ODI fund, fans can also support this initiative by dressing up in pink at their homes, posting pictures to the various social media platforms, pledging pink and donating on a designated QR code. #BePartOfIt #PledgePink

Cricket South Africa on Monday named a full-strength 15-man squad for the two-match Betway one-day international (ODI) series against Netherlands, starting later this week..

Seamers Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada return to the 50-over setup after being rested for the recent ODI series against West Indies.

The matches, which form part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, will be contested at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Friday, before DP World Wanderers Stadium hosts the Dutch for the annual Betway Pink Day on Sunday, 2 April.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT ??

Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje return to the ODI squad ahead of the Betway ODI series against the Netherlands #SAvNED #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/Kvu4CyiSRP

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 27, 2023

The Netherlands cricket team arrived back home on Friday, a week after the three-match one-day international series in South Africa was called off after the discovery of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

The first ODI in Pretoria last Friday was abandoned due to rain before the rest of the series was cancelled as travel bans were imposed on southern African countries.

The Dutch side took a week to secure passage home and they will now be forced into quarantine.

The Netherlands Cricket Union said the squad had taken several Covid-19 tests in South Africa and would undergo more on Friday. No member of the team has tested positive.

Those players who live in Britain will stay in quarantine in the Netherlands for 10 days before travelling on, while home-based players could undertake their quarantine at home.

Earlier this week, the Dutch women's cricket side returned after a World Cup qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe was abandoned. They were forced to take four flights before eventually touching down in Amsterdam, officials said.

The first Betway ODI between the Proteas and the Netherlands ended in a no-result after rain caused the match to be abandoned with the Netherlands on 11 without loss in two overs after South Africa had compiled 277 for eight at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday.

Earlier, the Netherlands won the toss and put South Africa in to bat in the first of three scheduled ODIs in the World Cup Super League in which the top eight qualify for the next World Cup in 2023.

A new strain of Covid has thrown the rest of the series into doubt with a final decision expected soon, but assuming the series continues, the next match is scheduled for Centurion on Sunday while the final game will take place in Johannesburg next Wednesday.

In South Africa’s innings, Kyle Verreynne struck a superb 95 off 112 balls but it was a brutal 48 in 22 balls, including six sixes and a four, from Andile Phehlukwayo that gave an often laboured innings an explosive ending.

After 46 overs, South Africa were on a disappointing 216 for seven with no boundaries for eight overs as the Netherlands squeezed the Proteas’ middle order. But Phehlukwayo, in partnership with skipper Keshav Maharaj, soon put that to rights with the last three overs realising 52 runs as the beefy left-hander made the most of a succession of “length” deliveries that he bludgeoned into the stands.

Verreynne and his Western Province teammate, Zubayr Hamza – making his international debut in this format – had laid the building blocks for the innings with a third-wicket partnership of 119 in 137 balls. This was especially valuable after the Proteas struggled initially on a slow, sticky pitch where the ball held up.

The conditions accounted for the early dismissal of Reeza Hendricks, whose check drive off the excellent Fred Klaassen in the fifth over went low to Roelof van der Merwe at extra-cover. Klaassen struck again in his next over when Janneman Malan advanced down the pitch to drive, the cross-seam delivery bounced a little more than usual and the resulting edge went at head height to Netherlands’ skipper Peter Seelaar at slip.

As the conditions eased, the two Province batters began to gain in fluency, with Verreynne the more aggressive of the two.

Hamza, who showed excellent form in the domestic T20 competition earlier this season, reached his maiden ODI half-century in 71 balls – one of 10 South Africans to achieve the feat on debut. He didn’t last much longer, however, falling to Brandon Glover for 56 in 79 balls (5x4s, 1x6) when he top-edged a pull straight up in the air for wicketkeeper Scott Edwards to pouch.

That wicket fell in the 29th over and the Proteas’ innings, which had looked set for a total of about 300 at one point, went into a slump. David Miller struck a six but looked out of sorts, falling to a catch in the outfield to a mistimed drive.

Khaya Zondo was bowled cutting at a full delivery from Roelof van der Merwe and then Verreynne, who became somewhat becalmed as he approached his 100, pulled a slow full toss from Vivian Kingma to deep square leg when five short of the mark. His 95 came in 112 balls and included nine fours and a six.

Wayne Parnell soon followed him but the innings was rescued at the death as the Netherlands bowlers lost their earlier control, enabling Phehlukwayo and Maharaj to blast 68 runs off 38 deliveries.

Their late charge took the shine off the bowlers’ figures, but Klaassen (2/45) and Kingma (2/49) impressed among the seamers while Van der Merwe flighted the ball well and was well worth his figures of 1-27 off six overs.

SOUTH AFRICA: Janneman Malan, Reeza Hendricks, Zubayr Hamza, Kyle Verreynne (wk), David Miller, Khaya Zondo, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj (capt), Sisanda Magala, Tabraiz Shamsi

NETHERLANDS: Stephan Myburgh, Max ODowd, Scott Edwards (wk), Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Pieter Seelaar (capt), Roelof van der Merwe, Timm van der Gugten, Fred Klaassen, Vivian Kingma, Brandon Glover

In a statement, Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond (KNCB) said that they are aware of news reports doing the rounds regarding the Netherlands tour to South Africa being cancelled or postponed.

Both boards confirmed that following updated information, it is highly unlikely that the visiting team will be able to fly out of South Africa over the weekend.

Cricket South Africa said on Wednesday fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has dropped out of their three-match one-day international series against the Netherlands after testing positive for Covid-19.

Fellow bowler Lizaad Williams is also out because of a rib muscle strain with Junior Dala called up to the squad as a replacement, a statement added.

South Africa are already weakened for their first ODI series against the Dutch after resting six first-choice players involved in the T20 World Cup earlier this month, including captain Temba Bavuma.

Also not taking part are Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada and Rassie van der Dussen.

The team are being captained by Keshav Maharaj.

The first ODI is on Friday at Centurion, followed by matches on Sunday and on December 1.

Wayne Parnell and Khaya Zondo make a return to the Proteas one-day international (ODI) set up ahead of the Betway ODI series against the Netherlands from 26 November to 01 December. It is the first time that visitors play a full international series against the Proteas in South Africa.

Two fixtures will take place at SuperSport Park in Centurion, with the last moving to the Imperial Wanderers and forms part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, the qualification tournament for the 2023 ICC World Cup. South Africa is currently ninth on the log.

Keshav Maharaj will lead the squad of 16 while white-ball captain, Temba Bavuma and several other players are rested, following a high workload and back-to-back bubbles on national duty and in various international T20 competitions.

Parnell’s last appearance for the national team was against Pakistan in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy in England, while Zondo’s was in 2018 against Zimbabwe in Paarl.

Zubayr Hamza and Ryan Rickelton receive maiden call-ups to the ODI squad, following consistently impressive performances in the Cricket South Africa (CSA) domestic scene.

Other returns to the team include Janneman Malan, Kyle Verreynne, Daryn Dupavillon and Sisanda Magala, along with ICC T20 World Cup squad members Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams.

CSA Convenor of Selectors, Victor Mpitsang said:

“The National Selection Panel and I are excited to give this group of exciting cricketers a good go. These selections are part of our strategy to give opportunities and reward the good work of players in our provincial system.

“We do not take this historic tour of the Netherlands to our shores lightly. We are keen to showcase the talent that South Africa has and to give opportunities to players who have been patient for a long time and are raring to go.

“On behalf of the Panel, I would like to wish Keshav Maharaj, coach, Mark Boucher and the team all of the very best as they look to make inroads into the team’s campaign to qualify for the 2023 ICC World Cup.”

SQUAD:

Keshav Maharaj (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Daryn Dupavillon (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Zubayr Hamza (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Reeza Hendricks (Imperial Lions), Sisanda Magala (Imperial Lions), Janneman Malan (GbetsRocks), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dwaine Pretorius (North West Dragons), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Ryan Rickelton (Imperial Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper, Six Gun Grill Western Province), Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans), Khaya Zondo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins).

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to announce the arrival of the Netherlands national cricket team to South Africa’s shores for a three-match ODI series against the Proteas. The series is set to commence on Friday, 26 November with the second match due to be played on Sunday, 28 November and the last encounter taking place on Wednesday, 1 December.