The Netherlands' belief in playing "total cricket" helped them secure their biggest victory at the World Cup, captain Scott Edwards said.
The Dutch beat high-flying South Africa by 38 runs in Dharamsala with a game plan somewhat similar to "total football," where players seamlessly rotated in and out of each other's positions.
With the side reeling at 82 for five, the bottom half of the order came to the rescue with the bat to post a competitive 245 total, led by the skipper's unbeaten knock of 78. They then bowled out South Africa for 207.
"As a group, we pride ourselves on playing total cricket which is guys that are coming in at number eight, nine and 10 have just as much of the ability to put on those partnerships," Edwards said.
Roelof van der Merwe (29) and Aryan Dutt (23 not out) walked in at number 10 and 11, smashing three boundaries and four sixes.
"Luckily enough, Roelof and Aryan in there played some unbelievable cameos," he added.
Edwards also praised the team's fitness.
The Dutch, the only non-Test playing nation in the tournament, beat a South African team coming off big wins over Sri Lanka and five-time winners Australia. But it was not the first time they have shocked South Africa, having bested the Proteas at T20 last year.
The win has moved them up one spot from the bottom of the 10-team World Cup table.
South Africa coach Rob Walter said the loss was a harsh reminder that there were no easy games.
"I don't think there's any weak teams in this tournament," he said.
