2-36pm
Last week when South Africa took on the Netherlands, they had just been annihilated by Sri Lanka who beat them comprehensively. The Proteas, fresh off a win against New Zealand, went into the match with confidence and expectant of an easy win. To their shock, Netherlands played brilliantly and South Africa only just won the match. I felt, at the time, that it was not a case of the Netherlands being so improved, but rather that SA was in poor form. When it came for Netherlands to play New Zealand, the result went in favour of the Kiwis, but again it was not a walkover. Netherlands are becoming a force to be reckoned with. And so today, they have played England. When I turned the TV on, this came up on the screen…
England had won the toss and put Netherlands into bat. Their total was not demanding. They put 133 runs together in their 20 overs. IT was completely defendable.
England just didn’t seem to get going and lost one wicket after another. The final result: England all out for 88. It’s the lowest ever total for a major team against any associate team in World Cup T20. A humiliation of note. But what is amazing, is that Sri Lanka spanked Netherlands in their first round match. Sri Lanka was BEATEN by England! And now England have lost in devastating style to one of the smallest minnows in world cricket. What happened there? I remember how embarrassed I felt for South Africa when they were doing badly against the Netherlands. It was humiliation of the nth degree. But now that we have seen that they gave New Zealand a bit of fright, I think England can console themselves that the Dutch have come a long way and need to be respected. As for the boys in Orange, they deserve the massive celebration. They have worked hard and persevered and kept on keeping on. Their coach said on the day of the match against South Africa that his team will win. They didn’t win that day, but they did today!
I’m so happy for them. Watch out world! There’s a new team on the block that are able to show their teeth! Beating them is no longer a foregone conclusion! Let them celebrate! Let them enjoy the moment of a spectacular victory. Let them rejoice in their success, as it has been a long wait and hard earned. Netherlands can go home with their heads held high! South Africa is through to the semi-finals. Today the final match of the preliminary rounds will decide who joins the Proteas. Sri Lanka take on New Zealand. Okay! I’m hoping NZ will win.
As for England, these things happen. What goes around comes around….things will improve.
James 4:6
As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.”
Remain humble.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx
Gratitude/Happiness pic…lunch…moreish…but don’t eat too much… it’s got 14.6g carbs per 1oog.
