Pune, Nov 1: With two of their top order batters Quinton de Kock (116) and Rassie van der Dussen (133) hitting centuries, South Africa set a huge 358-run target before New Zealand in the 32nd match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 at the MCA Ground, here on Wednesday.
Put into bat, South Africa piled up 357/4 in the allotted 50 overs David Miller too played a scintillating knock (53 in 30 balls with 2 fours and 4 sixes)) in the final overs, which allowed Africa to put up a respectable total on board.
In reply, New Zeland were struggling at 93/5 in 21 overs. Opener Devon Conway was dismissed for 2, caught by Aiden Markram of left arm pacer Marco Jansen.
Jansen struck again and removed young batting sensation Rachin Ravindra caught a fine leg by Gerald Coetzee for 9 runs.
Will Young (33 in 37 balls), who showed some resistance too returned back edging a catch behind the stumps to keeper de Kock. Young Coetzee had his first scalp of the match.
Black Caps skipper Tom Latham (4) was claimed by Kagiso Rabada, who got him caught at cover by Keshav Maharaj.
Daryl Michell's fight ended by spinner Keshav Maharaj in his third ball of the first over he bowled. Batting on 24 of 30 balls, with four hits to the fence, Mitchell looked set settled for a long battle. But he lofted one to long-off boundary, where David Miller caught him and he had to go back with a long face.
Earlier in the day, African skipper Temba Bavuma also showed positive intention in his 24-run innings. He hit four boundaries and a solitary six. But as in recent times, Bavuma could not continue for long again.
He edged a Trent Boult out-swinger to Daryl Mitchell at slips. He was impressive during 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 scored 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.
He was finally out after putting on board 116 in 114 balls. Quinton 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. But he also fell prey to Southee 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 had to be without their regular skipper Kane Williamson, who is on benches for the last couple of matches 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, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.
(Match Unfinished)
