South Africa beat New Zealand by 190 runs in Wednesday’s Cricket World Cup fixture in Pune.
The Proteas posted a final total of 357 for four after centuries from batsmen Quinton de Kock and Rassie van Dussen. This was de Kock’s fourth century and van der Dussen’s second this tournament.
New Zealand replied with 167 all out in 35.3 overs. Spinner Keshav Maharaj took four wickets and seamer Marco Jansen three.
The result pushed South Africa to first position in the tournament’s 10 team standings with 12 points. India are in second position, Australia third and New Zealand fourth.
“The Kiwis bowled well upfront. We had to work hard. Quinton played brilliantly and guided me,” said van der Dussen, who was named Player of the Match.
“We batted together nicely and we went big as the ball went softer. The wicket was one where if bowlers hit a length, there was something in it for them.
“Quinton was reminding me to keep my shape, respect good balls. It’s tough to hit through the line right away. We are very pleased to win by a big margin.”
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma added: That was a clinical display with bat. We applied pressure with the ball. We were always looking to dominate with the new ball and through the middle overs.”
The Proteas’ next Cricket World Cup fixtures will be against India in Kolkata on 5 November and Afghanistan in Ahmedabad on 10 November.