WC: South Africa secured a massive 190-run victory over New Zealand

South Africa climbed to the top of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup points table after a dominant 190-run victory over New Zealand in the league stage match at MCA Stadium. South Africa batted first and scored a total of 357/4, thanks to a 200-run partnership between centurions Quinton de Kock (116) and Rassie van der Dussen (133), followed by a late charge from David Miller (53). In New Zealand's chase, Marco Jansen took two wickets in the first Powerplay, followed by wickets from Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada. Keshav Maharaj contributed with four wickets as South Africa's spinners bundled out New Zealand for 167 in 35.3 overs to ensure a commanding victory.

Chasing 358, New Zealand tried their best to go for quick runs but lost Devon Conway pretty early to a sharp catch from Aiden Markram off the bowling of Jansen. Will Young and Ravindra tried to open their arms and go for quick runs. But Jansen struck yet again in the ninth over to get Ravindra caught at fine leg. However, Gerald. Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada ensured that the built-up pressure wasn't let off. Coetzee had Young caught behind with a peach, and Rabada had the New Zealand skipper Tom Latham caught in the covers.

Daryl Mitchell held the fort for the BlackCaps before he fell to Maharaj in the 19th over. He lofted one down the wicket, where he was expertly caught by Miller. New Zealand crumbled under the pressure exerted by Proteas bowlers and lost their next four for merely 43 runs. A number of lusty blows from Glenn Phillips against the run of play, who was the only half-centurion from the Kiwi setup, helped New Zealand bat till the 36th over.

Earlier, New Zealand ensured that South Africa had to work for their runs in Pune. And skipper Temba Bavuma led the way with a number of confident strokes, especially through the cover region. However, he was outdone by Trent Boult. Then, Rassie van der Dussen and Quinton de Kock came together to take forward the Proteas batting effort. They kept the scoring rate in the higher ranges of four till the 20-over mark, with a number of aggressive shots.

The New Zealand cricket team looked worried as Matt Henry had to leave the field without finishing his sixth over due to a hamstring injury. This added to their list of injuries. James Neesham took over the remaining deliveries. After a steady start, De Kock and van der Dussen picked up the pace after the 30th over, adding 39 runs in the next five overs. De Kock completed his fourth Cricket World Cup hundred with a six off Neesham in the 36th over. In the 40th over, Southee finally dismissed de Kock, but this brought the dangerous Miller to the crease. Together with van der Dussen, Miller added a quickfire 78 for the third wicket.