ICC CWC 23 | WARM UP MATCH | New Zealand Clinches Thrilling Victory Over South Africa by 7 Runs via DLS | NZ VS SA
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New Zealand Clinches Thrilling Victory Over South Africa by 7 Runs via DLS
In a nail-biting encounter between New Zealand and South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram, rain played a decisive role in denying Quinton de Kock's relentless efforts to lead South Africa to victory.
New Zealand opted to bat first, and their innings saw an impressive total of 321 for 6, thanks to stellar performances by Devon Conway and Tom Latham, both of whom scored half-centuries. South Africa's response saw them reach 211 for 4, with de Kock and David Miller in excellent form before rain forced the match to end prematurely. According to the DLS method, South Africa fell seven runs short of their target.
One significant positive for New Zealand was Kane Williamson's return to form, as he contributed with a 51-ball 37. However, it's worth noting that he won't be available for the tournament opener against England.
Both teams utilized a total of 17 bowlers throughout the match, with the strike bowlers making crucial breakthroughs. Trent Boult made an early impact by dismissing Reeza Hendricks with an lbw, and Matt Henry joined forces with Boult to apply pressure on de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen. However, the South African batters weathered the storm and capitalized on the bowlers who followed.
Van der Dussen played aggressively, scoring seven of the eight boundaries between the seventh and 14th overs on his way to a well-deserved half-century. His attacking approach allowed de Kock to settle in, despite a slow start. Unfortunately for South Africa, their partnership was broken when van der Dussen attempted an ambitious shot and was caught at cover off Mitchell Santner's delivery.
De Kock showed his class by hitting five fours and a six off Santner and Ish Sodhi in consecutive overs. Aidan Markram also contributed with a couple of boundaries, but Sodhi managed to dismiss Markram with an inside-out shot to deep cover, ending their 37-run partnership.
Heinrich Klaasen and de Kock continued to score boundaries off Sodhi and Rachin Ravindra while maintaining a brisk run rate. De Kock reached his fifty, but Boult's return to the attack resulted in Klaasen's dismissal when he went around the wicket.
Miller and de Kock then took the responsibility of keeping South Africa in the game. De Kock, despite suffering from the heat and taking some body blows, remained resolute. Both batters handled the spinners comfortably, regularly finding the boundary. The game appeared to be heading for a thrilling finish before the rain interrupted play.
In the earlier part of the day, Devon Conway played a crucial role for New Zealand. He partnered with Williamson and Glenn Phillips, and the trio added a remarkable 218 runs. New Zealand did not lose a wicket between the fifth and 40th over, only for Phillips to depart when he chopped on a yorker outside off from Marco Jansen.
Conway displayed his batting prowess by driving, pulling, and cutting his way to a well-deserved half-century. Williamson was equally impressive, showcasing his boundary-scoring abilities before retiring hurt at the end of the 20th over, followed by Conway after the 26th.
After a rain delay with New Zealand at 171 for 29 overs, Latham and Phillips resumed their partnership. Phillips took on any loose deliveries, and Latham reached his fifty in the 37th over.
However, Marco Jansen proved to be South Africa's savior as he removed both batters in the 40th over. Overall, ten New Zealand batters got a chance to contribute, with Mitchell's quick 16-ball 25, supported by Santner, providing a crucial late surge, taking New Zealand to a total of 321 runs
