South Africa bolstered their World Cup semi-final ambitions with a dominant 190-run victory over New Zealand in Pune thanks to Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen‘s centuries; watch hosts India take on Sri Lanka in Mumbai on Thursday, live on Sky Sports Cricket
Image: Rassie van der Dussen and Quinton de Kock laid the platform for South Africa's victory over New Zealand with impressive centuries
Quinton de Kock 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 on Wednesday for their sixth win in seven matches.
The Blackcaps were left needing a rescue act after collapsing to 90-5 inside 19 overs while chasing 358, with only Will Young (33) and Daryl Mitchell (24) offering any resistance.
But their opponents did not relent and dismissed them for 167 in 35.3 overs, with only three batters reaching double-figures, including Glenn Phillips who was the top scorer with a defiant 60 late on.
With this latest victory in hand, South Africa leapfrog India to the top of the standings while New Zealand are still in the hunt for a place in the semi-finals in fourth.
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How South Africa best New Zealand
South Africa began steadily after New Zealand skipper Tom Latham won the toss and opted to bowl, as they shrugged off the dismissal of skipper Temba Bavuma (24) and flexed their muscles with top-scorer De Kock going past 500 runs in the tournament.
De Kock struck 114, while Van der Dussen exploded late on to score 133 for his second ton of the showpiece.
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.
He scored two more boundaries but 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.
The Proteas built on the De Kock and Van der Dussen’s 200-run stand with 119 in the last 10 overs as David Miller hit a 30-ball 53.
Bavuma hails De Kock and Van der Dussen partnership
Image: South Africa's Quinton de Kock celebrates his fifty against New Zealand
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma:
“With the bat, we handled the challenge up front and with the ball nipping around. The big partnership really set it up for the boys,” he said.
“With the ball, we sustained the pressure throughout their innings… We were quite clinical with the execution of our skills.”
Latham: New Zealand put under pressure
New Zealand captain Tom Latham:
“Not our best performance. We were put under pressure with that massive partnership between Rassie and Quinton.
“At the halfway mark it was a big score but a decent surface. From a batting point of view, you need partnerships. To be three, four, five down early and with our backs against the wall, we weren’t able to build those partnerships.
“Disappointing the way it panned out.”
What’s next?
Hosts India take on Sri Lanka in Mumbai on Thursday live on Sky Sports Cricket. Rohit Sharma’s team are currently second in the standings, while Sri Lanka, who are unlikely to break into the top four, look to finish high enough in the standings to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Only the top seven teams plus hosts Pakistan will make that tournament so Sri Lanka have plenty to play for against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
Watch every game from the Cricket World Cup live on Sky Sports between now and the final on Sunday November 19 – or stream without a contract through NOW.
Sourse: skysports.com
