In a sensational showdown in the ongoing World Cup, South Africa delivered a stunning blow to Australia, securing a resounding victory by 134 runs. The highly anticipated 10th match of the tournament witnessed a gripping battle on the cricket field as the Kangaroo team failed to chase down a target of 312 runs set by the Proteas.
Australia, led by captain Aaron Finch, won the toss and elected to bowl first. This decision would prove to be less than ideal, as South Africa’s batsmen displayed exceptional skill and resilience. South Africa managed to accumulate a formidable total of 311 runs, losing seven wickets in the process. Quinton de Kock, South Africa’s veteran wicketkeeper-batsman continued his outstanding form by scoring his second consecutive century in the tournament. His remarkable innings of 109 runs from 106 balls included 8 fours and 5 sixes.
Adding to South Africa’s strong batting performance was Aiden Markram, who blazed through with a stormy half-century. Despite having a strong bowling lineup featuring the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Marcus Stoinis, the Kangaroos struggled to contain the Proteas. In a rather uncharacteristic display, Australia’s fielding was marred by numerous dropped catches, allowing South Africa to build a mountain of runs.
The Kangaroo team’s daunting task of chasing down 312 runs quickly turned into a nightmare as they succumbed to the consistent and relentless bowling attack of South Africa. Australia’s batting lineup crumbled, and they were ultimately bowled out for a mere 177 runs in 40.5 overs, suffering a humiliating
defeat.
Key contributors to South Africa’s victory were Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Marco Jansen, who wreaked havoc among Australia’s batsmen. The top order of the Kangaroos found themselves in dire straits with half the team dismissed for just 65 runs. Marnus Labuschagne tried to salvage Australia’s pride with a spirited innings of 46 runs, but the damage was already done.
Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins showed some resilience in the lower order, but South Africa’s bowling prowess eventually concluded Australia’s innings at 177 runs. This crushing defeat marked Australia’s largest margin of defeat in terms of runs in the history of the ODI World Cup, with their previous record being a 176-run loss to India in 1983.
Following this spectacular win, South Africa ascended to the top position in the World Cup’s points table, while the Kangaroo team found themselves in the ninth position. Australia’s back-to-back losses in the tournament’s opening matches raised questions about their World Cup campaign.
In an exclusive interview on the DAFA NEWS cricket show, Zimbabwe›s national player and coach, Tasmeen Granger, shed light on Quinton de Kock›s remarkable achievements in the match.