South Africa overcame a stunning early batting collapse to secure a four-wicket victory over the Netherlands in their T20 World Cup Group D clash in New York on Saturday.

David Miller's unbeaten 59 off 51 balls guided the Proteas to 106-6, chasing down the Netherlands' total of 103-9. This victory came after South Africa found themselves in deep trouble at 12-4 after 4.3 overs, having been reduced to 3-3 at one stage due to the Netherlands' strong bowling attack.

Tristan Stubbs and Miller resurrected the innings with a crucial fifth-wicket partnership of 65 runs. Stubbs scored 33 before being dismissed, but Miller remained steadfast, hitting three fours and four sixes, including a match-winning six off Bas de Leede in the 19th over.

"It was just a good finish in the end," a relieved Miller said. "Credit to the Netherlands bowlers - they bowled really well. They made it difficult for us to score. But we have got over the line with our tailenders, so I have faith."

Proteas captain Aiden Markram acknowledged the psychological hurdle his team overcame with this victory, given their previous high-profile losses to the Dutch. "We knew they were always going to be up for a scrap," Markram said. "It's a game of cricket ultimately. The history before this game was obviously they beat us. It's a mental blockade -- and we were under pressure again today."

Earlier, South African bowler Ottniel Baartman delivered a stellar performance, taking four wickets for 11 runs off his four overs, helping to restrict the Netherlands to a modest 103-9. Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje also contributed significantly with two wickets each.

Jansen set the tone early, dismissing Michael Levitt for a duck in the opening over and taking a spectacular one-handed catch to remove Max O'Dowd. The Netherlands were reeling at 15-2 after four overs and further stumbled to 17-3 when Jansen bowled Vikramjit Singh. Anrich Nortje then dismissed Bas de Leede, leaving the Dutch struggling.

Despite a brief fightback by Sybrand Engelbrecht and Logan van Beek, who scored 40 and 23 respectively, Baartman and the South African bowlers reasserted control, wrapping up the Dutch innings effectively.

The Proteas now look to build on this hard-fought victory as they continue their T20 World Cup campaign.