South African cricket team would be pumped up after posting a gigantic total of 357 for the loss of 4 wickets. Quinton de Kock & Rassie van der Dussen struck centuries and looked in sublime touch. Quinton de Kock smashed his 4th ton in ODI WC 2023 and now Cricket South Africa (CSA) would be amazed at how such a batter is bidding adieu to the format that is in the form of his life.
South Africa were asked to bat first by New Zealand skipper Tom Latham as Kane Williamson is still nursing his finger injury. The template of South African batting line up was quite similar as they scored a run a ball till the last 15 overs and then unleashed attack on the opposition. This way of batting may sound old school but it’s showing results for the Proteas.
Brilliant batting display from Quinton de Kock & Rassie van der Dussen
Quinton de Kock didn’t panic when the skipper Temba Bavuma didn’t trouble the scorers. Now there are questions raised over skipper’s place in the side who isn’t making an impact with the bat in hand. Perhaps, Temba Bavuma should step out and play attacking game rather than getting into the shell. Bavuma was slowly getting into the groove but was undone by the sheer brilliance of Trent Boult.
At the back end of the innings, it was the brutal hitting of David Miller who struck a fine knock of 53 runs in 30 balls and struck 2 fours and 4 huge sixes. The duo of Quinton de Kock & Rassie van der Dussen not only did the bulk of scoring but were smart with strike rotation which frustrated the opposition captain as Tom Latham was getting frustrated.
Poor bowling from New Zealand
New Zealand fans would be hoping that Kane Williamson regains fitness as Tom Latham looks clueless when the opposition takes down the attack on the opposition. Tom Latham though was dealt with a huge blow as Matt Henry was injured in the middle of the over as he could bowl only 5.3 overs when he conceded 31 runs in his incomplete spell.
Tom Latham’s idea of giving the ball to Glenn Phillips during the death overs backfired as he was taken to the cleaners by David Miller. Tom Latham’s batting is also getting affected with the burden of captaincy which is not a good sign for New Zealand fans. Trent Boult as usual was the pick of the bowlers who bowled a maiden over on a flat deck and took 1 scalp and conceded 49 runs in his 10 overs spell.
Who’s winning: South Africa or New Zealand?
South Africa may sound favorites for the summit clash as they have strengthened their fast bowling by the inclusion of the lethal speedster Kagiso Rabada. At the same time, Rabada can also be taken to the cleaners as his 10 overs would be pivotal in determining the winner of the match. South Africa though will have to deal with the dew factor and the surface also gets easier to bat in the second innings.
New Zealand on the other hand, will have to play out of their skin to chase down 358 runs. Once again the onus will be on the batting sensation Rachin Ravindra to play a significant knock. New Zealand though would be taking inspiration from their close contest against Australia where they almost pulled off heist when the target was 389 runs. All in all, we can expect a cracker of contest where New Zealand are slight favorites to hunt down the target.
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