South Africa continued their impressive run in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 with a thumping 190-run win over New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Wednesday. The Proteas, who had won five of their six matches before this game, put on a batting masterclass after being asked to bat first by the Kiwi stand-in captain Tom Latham.
Opening batsman Quinton de Kock scored a brilliant 114 off 116 balls, hitting 10 fours and three sixes. He shared a 200-run partnership with Rassie van der Dussen, who smashed 133 off 118 balls with nine fours and five sixes. The duo set the platform for a late onslaught by David Miller, who blasted 53 off just 30 balls with two fours and four sixes. South Africa finished with a mammoth total of 357 for four in 50 overs.
Kiwis crumble under pressure
New Zealand, who had lost only one match in the tournament so far, faced a daunting chase against a formidable South African bowling attack. They lost opener Devon Conway for just two runs in the second over, caught behind off Marco Jansen. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra tried to rebuild the innings, but both fell in quick succession to leave the Kiwis reeling at 54 for three in the 13th over.
The middle order failed to offer any resistance as Keshav Maharaj ran through the batting line-up with his left-arm spin. He picked up four wickets for 46 runs in nine overs, including the key scalps of Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips. Phillips was the only batsman who showed some fight, scoring 60 off 50 balls with four fours and four sixes. However, he was dismissed by Gerald Coetzee in the 32nd over, ending any hopes of a miracle comeback. New Zealand were bowled out for 167 in 35.3 overs, handing South Africa a huge victory.
Van der Dussen named player of the match
Rassie van der Dussen was named the player of the match for his superb century that set up South Africa’s win. He said he was happy with his performance and praised his teammates for their clinical display.
“We knew if we could set a platform again for them (the lower order), I mean the sky’s the limit. We [almost] got to 360, so we were pretty chuffed about that,” he said.
He also credited the bowlers for executing their plans well and putting pressure on the New Zealand batsmen.
“They (the bowlers) have been doing it throughout the tournament. They have been bowling really well as a unit. They have been creating chances and taking wickets,” he said.
South Africa reclaim top spot
With this win, South Africa reclaimed the top spot in the points table with 12 points from seven matches. They have a superior net run rate than India, who also have 12 points from seven matches. Australia are third with 10 points from seven matches, while New Zealand are fourth with eight points from seven matches.
The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, which means South Africa are almost assured of a place in the knockouts. However, they will not take anything for granted and will look to maintain their momentum in their remaining two matches against Bangladesh and England.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will have to regroup quickly and bounce back in their next match against Pakistan, who are fifth with six points from six matches. A win for Pakistan will make things interesting in the race for the semi-finals, while a loss will virtually end their hopes.
