Netherlands To Return Home After 1st ODI vs South Africa

The Netherlands team is set to return home following the completion of the first ODI after the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant in South Africa.

They were scheduled to play a 3-match ODI series across two venues. However, they will fly back home from Centurion where the first ODI is taking place.

This new variant could well have an impact on India’s tour of South Africa next month. India is slated to play three Tests, three ODIs, and four T20Is against the Proteas but the fast-spreading nature of the new variant might pose certain problems.

Sadly, the new variant has had its first major impact on our sport. The Netherlands will be going home and the series will not be completed. Can't say for sure what impact this will have on the India tour but for the sake of our cricket, we hope not a big one. #cricket

— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM) November 26, 2021

A final decision will be taken after a discussion between the two boards. In the meantime, the World Health Organization (WHO) has also called for a meeting to discuss the newborn variant in South Africa.

Netherlands set a target of 278 in the first ODI

Meanwhile, the first innings was completed at SuperSport Park in Centurion. The Proteas batted first and set up a target of 278 for their opponents. Zubayr Hamza and Kyle Verreynne starred with the bat as they stitched a 119-run partnership for the third wicket.

Verreynne fell just five runs short of his century. A late burst from all-rounder, Andile Phelukwayo, ensured that the African team end up with a par total. For the Netherlands, Fred Klaassen, Vivian Kingma, and Brandon Glover took two wickets each.

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