Pune: South Africa outclassed New Zealand in all three departments at MCA Stadium in Pune. The runs amassed by their top order gave their bowlers a bit of room to express themselves further, and that’s what they did. Jansen with the powerplay domination, Maharaj with a well-earned four-for, and Coetzee-Rabada-Ngidi were all tidy.
“South Africa move to the top of the CWC23 points table with a thumping win in Pune”, wrote ICC on platform X.
South Africa and New Zealand met in a crucial ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match at the MCA Stadium in Pune on November 1, 2023. South Africa, who were already in a good position in the tournament table, won the toss and elected to bat first.
Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen provided a solid start for South Africa, putting on a 150-run partnership for the first wicket. De Kock went on to score his fourth century of the tournament, while van der Dussen also made a valuable hundred.
South Africa eventually finished their innings on 357/4, their highest score of the World Cup so far. In reply, New Zealand got off to a good start, but they were unable to maintain the momentum. They were eventually bowled out for 292, losing the match by 65 runs.
De Kock was named the player of the match for his brilliant century. His innings helped South Africa to secure a vital victory and move closer to the semi-finals.
New Zealand’s last-wicket partnership was their second-highest. That says something of their batting show. Just lost wickets too regularly, especially six between overs 11 to 30. Their bowling was not extraordinary bad as SA’s score suggests, but Henry’s injury brewed up a perfect storm and the part-timers simply could not deliver to make up the deficit in quality and overs. However, a third loss in a row leaves them out of momentum. As it stands, they also have a huge injury list, so the problems are only getting longer.