In an important CWC2023 match, South Africa crushed the batting line of New Zealand with clinical bowling performance to defend their target of 357 runs against New Zealand, securing a spectacular victory.
South Africa opener Quinton de Kock scored his fourth century of the World Cup, while Rassie van der Dussen also hit a century. The semi-finals-bound South African team achieved a comprehensive 190-run victory, marking their sixth win in seven matches.
New Zealand struggled in their chase, collapsing to 90-5 within 19 overs. Only Will Young (33) and Daryl Mitchell (24) offered resistance, but South Africa’s bowlers continued to dominate, ultimately dismissing New Zealand for 167 in 35.3 overs.
Pace bowler Marco Jansen (3-31) and spinner Keshav Maharaj (4-46) played pivotal roles in dismantling the New Zealand batting lineup, despite Glenn Phillips’ defiant 60.
In the highly-anticipated contest, De Kock scored 114, and Van der Dussen added 133, contributing to South Africa’s total of 357-4. Their partnership of 200 runs was followed by a late surge, with David Miller’s aggressive 30-ball 53 in the final 10 overs.
South Africa’s innings began steadily, with De Kock surpassing 500 runs in the tournament. De Kock, who plans to retire from the 50-overs format after the tournament, played a flawless innings, reaching his century with a massive six. However, he was eventually dismissed after scoring his century.
Despite a challenging day for New Zealand, they were further hampered by the loss of seamer Matt Henry due to a hamstring injury during South Africa’s innings.
