Picture : ICC/ X
New Zealand Skipper Tom Latham made a huge tactical blunder, winning the toss and bowling first against South Africa. The power- hitting Proteas handed the the floundering Kiwis their third straight loss this time 190 runs at Pune.
Quinton de Kock notched his fourth century of the tournament, while Rassie van der Dussen secured his second century in the competition.
Miller added the finishing touches with a swift fifty, propelling the Proteas to a substantial total of 357/4.
The prolific Quinton de Kock smashed a superb 114 ( 116 balls 10 fours, 3 sixes), Skipper Temba Bavuma fell for 24 . Rassie van der Dussen soon joined the party and hit a fine ton 133 ( 118 balls, 9 fours , 5 sixes) and the mercurial power- hitter David Miller gave the innings a perfect finish with blazing 55 ( 30 balls, 2 fours, 4 sixes) . The dangerous duo of Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram remained not out at 15 and 7 respectively.
The Kiwis were sent on a leather hunt . Trent Boult 1/ 49 ( 10 overs), Matt Henry 0/ 31 ( 5.3 overs) he got injured with hamstring pull, Tim Southee 2/ 77 ( 10 overs), Mitchell Santner 0/ 58 ( 10 overs), Glenn Phillips 0/ 52 ( 7 overs) , Rachin Ravindra 0/ 17 ( 2 overs), James Neesham 1/ 69 ( 5. 3 overs)
In reply , New Zealand lost wickets regularly and the chase was never on . They lost star opener Devon Conway early for ( 2), Will Young ( 33), in- from Rachin Ravindra ( 9), Daryl Mitchell ( 24), Skipper Tom Latham ( 4). Glenn Phillips tried hard for his ( 60) , Mitchell Santner ( 7), Tim Southee ( 7), James Neesham ( 0), Trent Boult 9 9), Matt Henry remained not out 0. New Zealand crashing to a dismal 167/ 10 in 35. 3 overs.
South African bowlers backed their batting line-up well again. Marco Jansen 3/ 31 ( 8 overs), Lungi Ngidi 0/ 28 ( 6 overs), Kagiso Rabada 1/ 16 ( 6 overs), Gerald Coetzee 2/ 41 ( 6. 3 overs), Keshav Maharaj 4/ 46 ( 9 overs)
Match: World Cup 2023, 32nd Match
Venue: Pune | Date: November 01, 2023
