In a highly anticipated clash between two fan favorites in Mumbai, South Africa defeated New Zealand by 190 runs. This victory now brings South Africa to the top of the table.
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South Africa’s batting dominance in this World Cup makes Tom Latham’s decision to bowl first seem questionable, given their record of winning when they bat first. Coming into the crease with the bats, South Africa did exactly what they’ve been doing all tournament long, scoring over 300 runs. Rassie van der Dussen (133) and Quinton de Kock (114) built a 200 runs partnership to push South Africa to 357 runs. David Miller’s last-minute knock of 53 runs out of 30 balls painted the perfect finish for the Proteas.
When it comes to chasing such targets, the Kiwis are no slouch either. However, disaster struck early for them when Marco Jansen (3/31) and Kagiso Rabada (2/16) started taking out the top-order batters in synchronized attack. Within 100 runs, the Kiwis had to surrender six wickets. New Zealand ended up collecting 167 runs in 35.3 Overs, marking an unexpected end to a highly anticipated match. Consequently, the Proteas earned a surplus of NRR & 2 points from this match.
South Africa move to the top of the #CWC23 points table with a thumping win in Pune 💪#NZvSA 📝: https://t.co/MKlk1hNkJe pic.twitter.com/5w9RhDJ7Of
— ICC (@ICC) November 1, 2023
Rassie van der Dussen’s 133 runs from 118 balls secured him the Player of the Match title. His & de Kock’s tremendous partnership pretty much did the job for the Proteas. Quinton de Kock quietly collected his 4th century of the CWC 2023. Until tonight, South Africa beating New Zealand by 190 runs would have sounded absurd.
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South Africa, the current table topper, will face India on November 5th. In contrast, New Zealand will have to be extra careful while facing Pakistan on November 4th. Pakistan will go all in to displace the Kiwis out of the 4th position to secure themselves a seat for the knockout stage.
