It was a remarkable final day of the Super 12 stage at the T20 World Cup as the Netherlands stunned South Africa and then had results go their way to secure qualification for the 2024 event.

South Africa, needing a win to secure a semi-final spot, won the toss at Adelaide and asked the Netherlands to bat first. Stephan Myburgh (37 from 30 balls) led the way in a 58 run opening partnership with Max O'Dowd. The latter then put on 39 with Tom Cooper before he was out for 29.

Cooper scored 35 from 19 balls but the top scorer was Colin Ackermann who clubbed an unbeaten 41 from 26 balls as the Dutch scored 158-4 from their 20 overs.

The Dutch bowlers then bowled well to ensure that no South African batter was able to get a start. Brandon Glover was the pick of the bunch with three wickets for just nine runs in his two overs. They were restricted to 145-8 and lost by 13 runs but that margin flatters them somewhat - they were never really in it.

That result eliminated South Africa from the tournament but there was still the matter of a possible top four finish in the group for the Dutch which would secure qualificaiton for the 2024 tournament in West Indies & USA.

First they needed Pakistan to beat Bangladesh in what was essentially a quarter-final. Bangladesh were restricted to 127-8 which Pakistan overcame in 18.1 overs to win by five wickets.

Next the Dutch needed India to beat Zimbabwe. India racked up 186-5 and bowled Zimbabwe out for 115 to win by 71 runs and secure a spot in the 2024 tournament for the Netherlands.

It will also be good news for Ireland & Scotland - with only two spots available for Europe in the 2024 tournament they faced competing with the Netherlands for those two spots had the Dutch not got that fourth place finish in their Super 12 group. The rest of the European finalists will also now know that one lucky win over the Irish or Scots could see them get to the World Cup.