South Africa are momentarily sitting atop of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup standings after securing a resounding 134-run win against old foes Australia in their second match of the global showpiece in Lucknow on Thursday.
The triumph was South Africa’s third against the Aussies at a World Cup, with the previous two wins coming in 1992 and 2019 in England.
The victory also sees the Proteas maintain their superb start to the campaign after defeating Sri Lanka by 102 runs in their opening clash on October 7 in Delhi.
Rob Walter’s team will take on the Netherlands in their third match of the World Cup on Tuesday, 17 October at 10:00am.
Five days after scoring a record breaking 428/5 in their allotted 50 overs against Sri Lanka in their opening match of the 50-0ver World Cup, South Africa topped it up by another impressive showing with bat and ball to dismantle the Aussies in Lucknow on Thursday.
After being asked to bat first by Aussie skipper, Pat Cummins, the South Africans posted total of 311 runs with Quinton de Kock reaching his second consecutive century at the World Cup, while Aiden Markram continued his fine form with half-century that included seven fours, and one six in the 44 balls he faced.
It was not all gloomy for Rob Walter’s side in the middle but resilient cameos from the like of Temba Bavuma (35 off 55 balls), Heinrich Klassen (29 off 27), and Marco Jansen (26 off 22) saw South Africa over the line.
In defence of their total, South Africa were emphatic with the new ball and Marco Jansen claimed the early sculp of Mitchell Marsh with just 27 runs on the board.
The Proteas bowlers got In on the action, with Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi all claiming two wickets. Paceman, Kagiso Rabada however was the standout bowler, finishing the match with the best figures after his 3 wickets for 33 runs with an economy of (4.13).
” We’re still a long way away but there are plenty of positives to take,” said Rabada after the match.
“We’re looking to rock up the next game. Like I said, we’ll see how we feel, we want to improve, look at our strengths, look at our weaknesses and look to brush up.”
“But generally, I think we played nearly the perfect game of cricket. So, it’s just about leaving this behind once we leave that behind and focus on the next game, that’s it.”
The 28-year-old was quite influential in restricting the Australians from mounting up any type of pressure on the South African bowlers.
His two sculps, one of Steve Smith, and Josh Inglis came just at the perfect time when the Aussies were looking dangerous and building momentum.
South Africa were hesitant on reviewing the LBW call on Smith as it was Rabada and De Kock who seemed interested. After consulting with the duo, Bavuma, reviewed the call, and the ball-tracking technology revealed the ball hitting the wickets, and that was the end of Smith.
Rabada admitted that the sculp of the 34-year-old was crucial.
“I think he was looking good,” said Rabada.
“He was moving really well, you could see. And he’s a key player for Australia. He really binds that team together and that batting lineup together.”
“He’s always a key wicket in any format. But looking at one day cricket, he has the ability to occupy the crease and also score runs whilst doing so. So, he was definitely a big wicket,and we knew we had to get him early.”
South Africa will now turn their attention to the Dutch for next week Tuesday’s clash.
Rabada is adamant that despite their impressive start, there’s still plenty of room to improve.
” We’re just looking to play our best cricket whenever we play a game.”
“We’re not worried about what statements we’re making. We’re only worried about the plans that we want to execute.”
