Pune, Nov 1: Put into bat, South Africa were 326/3 in 48.1 overs against New Zealand in the 32nd match of the ICC ODI World Cup at MCA Ground, here on Wednesday.
African skipper Temba Bavuma, who showed aggression in his 24-run innings, hit four boundaries and a solitary six. But as in recent times, Bavuma could not continue for long again.
He edged an out-swinger of Trent Boult to Daryl Mitchell at slips. He was impressive though, in his 28-ball stay in the middle.
But Quinton de Kock continued his fine form and scored a solid half century in 62 balls. He and Rassie van de Dussen ensured that the New Zealand bowlers do not get more success in initial overs.
Rassie van der Dussen reached his half century in 61 balls and was busy playing quality cricket in company of his senior partner de Kock.
Quinton de Kock completed his 4th ton of the tournament, with scoring a century in 103 balls. He reached the landmark hitting James Neesham for a huge six.
Quinton was finally out after scoring 116 in 114 balls. He hit 10 boundaries and 3 sixes. He was caught by Glenn Phillips at backward point of Tim Southee.
Rassie van der Dussen however, continued with the same momentum and scored a ton too. He completed his century in 101 balls. He later fell prey to Southee too after scoring 133 in 118 balls, with 9 fours and 5 sixes.
For the Pune battle, New Zealand roped in seasoned right-arm pacer Tim Southee, who was in the sidelines for long due to injury. The Kiwis left out fast bowler Lockie Ferguson.
The Black Caps continued to be without their regular skipper Kane Williamson, who is on benches due to injury. In his absence, his deputy Tom Latham continued to captain the Kiwis.
South African too had changes in their XI. They brought back proven war-horse Kagiso Rabada in their line-up to bolster their bowling attack. The Africans preferred four pacers in their line-up and omitted spinner Tabraiz Shamsi from the playing XI.
Both New Zealand and South Africa, the two formidable forces in the cricketing world, though have never won the ODI World Cup, but are among sure favourites to win the coveted title this time.
New Zealand XI:
Tom Latham (captain and wicket-keeper), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, David Miller, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Tim Southee and Trent Boult.
Africa XI:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Batting , Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.
