South Africa is on fire
South Africa delivered a stunning performance to defeat Australia by 134 runs in their second match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Thursday. The Proteas, who had won their opening game against Sri Lanka by 102 runs, continued their impressive form with the bat and the ball to outclass the Aussies, who had lost to India by six wickets in their first match.
South Africa, who were put into bat by Australia after losing the toss, posted a mammoth total of 311 for 7 in their 50 overs, thanks to a brilliant century by Quinton de Kock and a quickfire fifty by Aiden Markram. De Kock, who is playing his last major international tournament, scored 109 off 106 balls with eight fours and five sixes, while Markram smashed 56 off 44 balls with seven fours and one six. The duo added 118 runs for the third wicket after Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen had departed cheaply.
Australia’s bowlers struggled to contain South Africa’s batsmen, as Glenn Maxwell was the only one who bowled economically and picked up two wickets. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Adam Zampa all conceded more than six runs per over and took one wicket each.
Australia’s chase never got going, as they lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 177 in 40.5 overs. Marnus Labuschagne was the top-scorer for the Aussies with 46 off 74 balls, but he did not get any support from his teammates. Steve Smith, who made 19 off 16 balls, was the only other batsman to reach double figures.
South Africa’s bowlers were superb, as they shared the wickets among themselves and kept the pressure on Australia throughout. Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets for 33 runs in eight overs, while Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi took two wickets each. Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen also chipped in with one wicket each.
De Kock was named the Player of the Match for his splendid knock that set up South Africa’s victory.
What are the implications?
The result means that South Africa has moved to the top of the points table with four points from two matches, while Australia has slipped to the fifth spot with zero points from two matches. South Africa has also boosted their net run rate to +2.360, while Australia has worsened their net run rate to -1.215.
South Africa have strengthened their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals, as they have two relatively easy matches against Bangladesh and Ireland in their remaining group games. Australia, on the other hand, have a tough task ahead of them, as they have to face England and New Zealand in their next two matches.
Both teams will play their next matches on October 18. South Africa will take on Bangladesh at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, while Australia will face England at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
How did the fans react?
The fans were delighted by South Africa’s dominant display against Australia, as they praised De Kock, Markram, Rabada, and the other players for their contributions. They also expressed their confidence that South Africa can go all the way and win their maiden World Cup title this year.
Some of the tweets from the fans are given below:
- What a performance by @OfficialCSA! De Kock is a legend, Markram is a beast, Rabada is a machine! This is our year! #CWC23 #SAvAUS
- Absolutely thrashed them! Well done boys! Proud of you @QuinnyDeKock69 for your amazing century! You deserve it! #CWC23 #SAvAUS
- Wow! What a win! South Africa are looking unstoppable! They have everything – batting, bowling, fielding, spirit! Bring on the cup! #CWC23 #SAvAUS
- Congrats to South Africa for a comprehensive win over Australia. They played like champions today. De Kock was superb, Markram was explosive and Rabada was lethal. Well done! #CWC23 #SAvAUS
- South Africa is on fire! They have demolished Australia by 134 runs! This is how you play cricket! De Kock is a genius, Markram is a star, Rabada is a wizard! Go Proteas! #CWC23 #SAvAUS