2023 World Cup: South Africa emerged as strong contenders as the pacers fired in unison after Quinton de Kock’s brilliant century, paving the way for a resounding 134-run victory over Australia at the World Cup in Lucknow on Thursday. I reaffirmed my position.
If de Kock showed class with a brilliant 109 off 106 balls to take the Proteas to 311/7, the fast bowler was at his ruthless best and bundled Australia out for 177 in 40.5 overs for their second successive win. Decorated.
This defeat will greatly damage Australia’s credibility. They also lost their opening game to India and are second from bottom in the 10-team table.
The win took South Africa to the top of the points table for the 2023 ICC World Cup.
South Africa, New Zealand, India and Pakistan have won both of their World Cup matches so far, earning four points each. South Africa’s superior net run rate (+2.360) keeps them in the lead.
The Kiwis (NRR: +1.958) play Bangladesh on Friday with a chance to topple South Africa from first place.
South Africa’s win on Thursday moved the Indian team to third place in the points table. India (NRR: +1.500) will be followed by Pakistan (NRR: +0.927) and both teams will face each other in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
The 10 teams in the 2023 Cricket World Cup will play each other with little margin for error as only the top four teams in the standings will advance to the semi-finals.
England are in 5th place with 2 points. Bangladesh team is in 6th place with 1 win and 1 loss from 2 games.
Australia, Sri Lanka, Netherlands and Afghanistan are yet to win in the ongoing tournament. Afghanistan are the bottom team in the ICC World Cup 2023 points table with an NRR of -1.907 after two matches.
In-form New Zealand will rely firmly on their strong batting line-up to fend off Bangladesh’s spinning attack on the slow Chepauk pitch and cement their place at the top of the table in Friday’s World Cup match in Chennai.
New Zealand received a big boost with regular captain Kane Williamson and senior pacer Tim Southee available for selection against Bangladesh.
Williamson and Southie missed the Kiwis’ matches against England and the Netherlands. Tom Latham replaced Williamson as New Zealand captain for these matches.
The track in Chidambaram, Massachusetts, could produce another turner, as it did in last Sunday’s India-Australia match. The Indian spinners picked up six wickets in that match, which may also draw the attention of the coordinators on Friday.
After struggling against England in the last match, this could be Bangladesh’s secret fun against the Kiwis.
The spin trio of captain Shakib Al Hasan, Mahedi Hasan and Mehdi Hasan Miraz took 11 wickets in the two matches. The Tigers will be counting on these three to put on a spell against New Zealand and secure an important victory.
(With PTI input)