Quinton de Kock has smashed his fourth century of the World Cup and Rassie van der Dussen also hit a ton as semi-finals-bound South Africa sealed a comprehensive 190-run victory over New Zealand for a sixth win in seven matches.
New Zealand were left needing a rescue act on Wednesday after collapsing to 5-90 inside 19 overs while chasing 358, with only Will Young (33) and Daryl Mitchell (24) offering any resistance – but South Africa did not relent and dismissed them for 167 in 35.3 overs.
The Black Caps’ loss means they have slipped below Australia on net run rate and Pat Cummins’ side has a game in hand on their trans-Tasman rivals and, on form, should account for England on Saturday, then Afghanistan and Bangladesh to close out the group phase in third spot, avoiding a semi-final showdown with tournament favourites India.
Pace bowler Marco Jansen (3-31) began the rout with an early double strike, while spinner Keshav Maharaj (4-46) landed timely blows to ensure New Zealand had no way back in Pune despite a defiant 60 by Glenn Phillips.
In a highly-anticipated contest just days after the two nations clashed in the Rugby World Cup final, de Kock struck 114 and Van der Dussen exploded late on to score 133 for his second ton of the event as South Africa posted a formidable 4-357.
“Clinical display,” South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said. “The big partnership really set it up for the boys.
“With the ball, we sustained the pressure throughout their innings… Quite clinical with the execution of our skills.”
LEADING RUN SCORERS AT THE WORLD CUP
The Proteas built on the pair’s 200-run partnership with 119 in the last 10 overs as David Miller also put the New Zealand bowlers to the sword with a 30-ball 53 at the MCA Stadium.
South Africa began steadily after New Zealand skipper Tom Latham won the toss and opted to bowl, as they shrugged off the dismissal of Bavuma (24) and flexed their muscles with top-scorer de Kock going past 500 runs in the tournament.
De Kock, who will retire from the 50-overs format after the tournament, milked the Black Caps bowlers in a flawless innings and reached his century with a massive six over long-leg off Jimmy Neesham before looking to accelerate.
“We were speaking about 300 to 320 at one stage in the middle but we’ve seen so often in the last 12, 18 months what the guys coming in can do,” said player of the match van der Dussen.
“We knew if we could set a platform again for them, I mean the sky’s the limit. We almost got to 360, so we were pretty chuffed about that.”
De Kock eventually offered a simple catch to Phillips at backward point as Tim Southee (2-77) took his first wicket on his return to competitive action after right thumb surgery in September.
Southee castled Van der Dussen on a day of little joy for New Zealand, who had lost seamer Matt Henry due to a right hamstring problem midway through South Africa’s innings.
Neesham was struck on the hand while stopping a ball off his own bowling and was only able to bat at nine, although he did not suffer broken bones.
“Not our best performance, disappointing the way it panned out,” said Latham, whose side face Pakistan next.
“We were put under pressure with that massive partnership Rassie and Quinton had up top.”
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
What issue is that, JN? I’d be quite happy for SA to win the cup if Aus doesn’t, which I doubt we will (but I heard we have a few on the shelf already, will have to check). I would have preferred NZ to win the RWC, for the way they play. Obviously it’s different with a 50-overs old ball. I’m not sure if it’s the dew or what happens to some pitches anns atmosphere under lights at this time of year with the new ball. It was obvious when NZ were batting how guys who have been in blistering form were finding it difficult and a bowler like Ngidi was making the ball talk at times. Same happened in a few other matches - notably India-SL last night, it was incredible. To a much lesser extent when Aus played SA, though that wasn’t why we (or NZ) lost, the SA batting was superb.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Dave it must be really tough for you right now ….Firstly you have an obvious issue with South Africa ..Thats fine ..I dont care for Germans …But lately we have had a good run in traditional colonial team sports ..so yeah must be rough ..It does help to talk about it tho. :laughing: :laughing:Incidentally Miller hits a six off the last ball. Then a short break and SA bowlers do.inate ..That bloody dew came on mighty fast ..But hey its India.. Difficult to understand their dew. :silly:
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing:
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Don’t pity the SA bowlers. The pitch really livened up for the NZ innings.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
The difference in the pitch between the two innings was huge. Flat when SA batted, lots of movement when NZ was batting. Kiwis fault as they sent SA in, even though SA have been doing much better in the first innings. But there seem to be too many day-night games in India where conditions aren’t even for the two innings, either because the pitches liven up or the dew affects the ball at night.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Marco Jansen deserved man of the match ..Yes Van der Dussen scored a ton on a batsmens paradise pitch . Jansen with the ball ended the NZ challenge inside of a few overs and they never recovered ..Pity the bowlers in this game ….Proteas look very focussed ..This is the perfect stage for these players to showcase their talents and form ahead of the next IPL auction …… :stoked:
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing: ...
Peter Darrow
Roar Guru
Can we blame the umpires for this loss??
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
Teams dream of playing the perfect match and I wonder if this was the South Africans perfect match for this tournament? The only thing they didn't get right was the toss, yet still batted first which they much prefer.
Andrew
Roar Rookie
They are building up for the choke beautifully. :laughing:
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Powerful victory from the saffas. Their batting has been top class this world cup with the top order setting up their attacking middle order beautifully. Jansen has been excellent