ISLAMABAD: Quinton de Kock’s superb hundred (his fourth one in the tournament), fully assisted by another terrific ton by Van der Dussen (133), guided South Africa to a decent total of 357 in the ICC World Cup contest being played at Pune, India on Wednesday. Both the batters contributed 200 runs in partnership for the team to file a good total on the board.
Earlier, after winning the toss, New Zealand decided to bowl first. South African openers de Kock and Bavuma took a cautious start without taking too much risk in the first six overs. However, after taking pace, the Proteas lost their first wicket in the 9th over on 38 when the skipper Bavuma was dismissed on 24. Bavuma was replaced by the number third batter, Van der Dussen who along with the in-form de Kock, not only saved the wicket but accelerated the run-rate as well.
Both completed their half-centuries and proceeded further. They didn’t allow Kiwis’ bowlers to take wickets. Although Kiwis bowlers created some catching chances, the fielders from the Black Caps didn’t turn these into dismissals. Later, they managed to take the average above six runs per over.
Quinton de Kock also completed his hundred, which was his fourth ton in the mega event, to maintain as a top scorer of the tournament. Finally, in the 40th over, Kiwis took a sigh of relief to get rid of de Kock on 114. His innings included three sixes and 10 boundaries. At the stage, South Africa were 238 for 2. De Kock was replaced by Miller. On the other hand, Dussen continued his terrific inning and completed his superb hundred. After completing his 100, he along with Miller, pushed the scoreboard past the 300 mark with a high run rate.
In the 48th over, Tim Southee managed to get rid of Dussen via a slower delivery on 133. However, till then, Dussen had played his innings. His 130 runs included five sixes and nine boundaries. At the stage, South Africa were 316 for 3 in 47.1 overs with Miller and Klaasen on the crease. In the last five over, Miller contributed a firing inning of 53 on 30 balls supported by 15 runs from Klassen. South Africa managed to score 357 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 50 overs.
From the New Zealand side, Tim Southee was the leading wicket-taker with 2 for 77 in his 10-over spill. Trent Boult and Neasham got one wicket each.
New Zealand Team
Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c)†, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Tim Southee and Trent Boult
South Africa Team
Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi
