ICC World Cup 2023: South Africa hammer New Zealand

South Africa climbed to the top of the ICC World Cup 2023 standings following a massive 190-run win over New Zealand in their league stage match at the MCA Stadium.

Earlier, South Africa amassed a mammoth 357/4, propelled by a remarkable 200-run partnership for the second wicket between Quinton de Kock (116) and Rassie van der Dussen (133). A late flourish from David Miller (53) further bolstered the Proteas’ total.

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During New Zealand’s chase, Marco Jansen made a crucial double breakthrough during the opening Powerplay, while Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada also made inroads with wickets of their own. Keshav Maharaj, the spinner, played his part by claiming four wickets as they skittled New Zealand out for 167 in 35.3 overs, clinching a dominant victory.

Chasing 358, New Zealand lost Devon Conway early to a sharp catch by Aiden Markram off Jansen’s bowling. Will Young and Ravindra attempted to accelerate the run rate, but Jansen struck again in the ninth over, dismissing Ravindra with a catch at fine leg. However, Coetzee and Rabada sustained the pressure. Coetzee dismissed Young with a fine delivery, and Rabada had New Zealand skipper Tom Latham caught in the covers.

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Maharaj dismissed Daryl Mitchell in the 19th over. He was caught by Miller attempting a lofted shot down the wicket.

New Zealand were pressured by the Proteas’ bowlers and lost their next four wickets for 43 runs. Glenn Phillips provided some powerful hits against the flow of play and was the lone half-centurion in the Kiwi lineup, but it was not enough to extend the innings, which concluded in the 36th over.

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Earlier, South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma displayed an array of shots. However, he fell to Trent Boult’s bowling. Then, Rassie van der Dussen and Quinton de Kock joined forces to advance the Proteas’ batting effort. They maintained a brisk scoring rate until the 20-over mark, delivering numerous aggressive shots.

Later, Matt Henry was unable to complete his sixth over due to a hamstring injury. James Neesham completed the remaining deliveries on his behalf.

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After a steady start, De Kock and van der Dussen accelerated the scoring pace beyond the 30-over mark, adding 39 runs in the subsequent five overs. De Kock marked his fourth Cricket World Cup century with a maximum off Neesham in the 36th over.

The breakthrough for the Black Caps arrived in the 40th over when Southee dismissed De Kock. Nevertheless, the arrival of the formidable Miller onto the crease posed a new threat. Alongside van der Dussen, he forged a rapid 78-run partnership for the third wicket.

Hosts India face Sri Lanka in the next ICC World Cup 2023 match.

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