PUNE – South Africa finished today’s game in style. First the Africans posted a tough total of 357 runs for New Zealand in a must-win game of the ICC World Cup 2023 at Pune stadium. And then cleaned Kiwis in the 36th over.
Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen played brilliant knocks of 114 and 133, respectively to boost the total. After their dismissal, David Miller tried to maintain the momentum as he smashed 53 off 30 before being caught out.
Tim Southee took two wickets while Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham claimed one wicket each.
Chasing the target, New Zealand were bowled out for 167 runs in 35.3 overs. The only Kiwi batter to score a 50 was Glenn Philips. He scored 60 runs in 50 balls.
Of the South African bowlers, Keshav Maharaj took 4 wickets and Marco Jansen took 3 wickets.
Today’s victory against New Zealand has taken South Africa to the top of the points table of the ICC World Cup 2023.
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
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first against South Africa in the 32nd match.
In today’s game, the stakes are not that high and its not must win situation for both sides, but the two sides will push to continue their momentum.
With today’s truimph, the winning side will have one foot in semi-finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, while other side will slide further in points table.
Kiwis and Proteas currently placed at second and third spots on the standings as both sdies performed well in the leading ICC event.
Meanwhile, fans are excited as New Zealand and South Africa have not face off in an ODI as most recent World Cup held in England and Wales in 2019.
New Zealand vs South Africa Squad in World Cup
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.
