Introduction:
South Africa put on a clinical performance in Pune, India, on November 1, 2023, to crush old nemesis New Zealand by five wickets in the Cricket World Cup. South Africa bowled New Zealand out for 180 in 40.1 overs, before chasing down the target in just 34.3 overs.
What is South Africa’s current ranking in Test cricket?
Furthermore, South Africa is a cricketing powerhouse, consistently ranking among the top teams in the world. Also, the country has produced some of the greatest players in the game, including Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock, and Makhaya Ntini.
South Africa has a proud history in Test cricket, having won 214 matches and lost 147. The team has also had success in One Day Internationals (ODIs), winning 642 matches and losing 539. In T20 Internationals (T20Is), South Africa has a record of 141 wins and 67 losses.
South Africa is known for its fast bowling, with players like Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje regularly bowling at speeds of over 150 km/h. The team also has a strong batting lineup, with Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen being two of the most prolific run-scorers in the world.
South Africa’s bowling masterclass
South Africa’s bowlers put on a masterclass in Pune, with Keshav Maharaj (4-24) and the pacers (6 wickets shared) bowling New Zealand out for a below-par score. Maharaj was particularly impressive, bowling with great control and variation. The pacers also bowled with great pace and accuracy, making it difficult for the New Zealand batsmen to score.
South Africa’s bowlers were simply too good for New Zealand in Pune. Keshav Maharaj took four wickets, while the pacers shared six wickets among them. Maharaj bowled with great control and variation, while the pacers bowled with great pace and accuracy.
Clinical batting display
South Africa’s batting display was also clinical, with Quinton de Kock (80*) and Rassie van der Dussen (60) leading the way. The duo put on an unbeaten 120-run partnership for the third wicket to see South Africa to victory with ease.
New Zealand batsmen struggle
None of the New Zealand batsmen were able to get going against the South African bowlers. Only Glenn Phillips (60) and Daryl Mitchell (35) offered any real resistance. The rest of the batsmen were dismissed cheaply, with New Zealand bowled out for 180 in 40.1 overs.
Conclusion:
South Africa’s victory over New Zealand was a comprehensive one. They outplayed their opponents in all departments of the game. Maharaj, the pacers, de Kock, and van der Dussen all deserve credit for this impressive performance.