Dhaka – South Africa posted a moderate total of 241 in their sixth game in the World Cup on Wednesday against New Zealand at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first after rain pushed the match back by an hour. The match was reduced to 49-over a side due to the wet outfield.
South Africa failed to manage a good start as they lost the first wicket with just nine runs on the board. Quinton de Kock was removed by Trent Boult.
However, Hashim Amla, who completed 8,000 runs in ODIs today, and Rassie van der Dussen struck fifties to post a 200-plus total.
While Amla scored 55, Dussen ended up hitting 67 off 64 balls with two fours and three sixes and he was the best scorer for South Africa.
Aiden Markram (38) and David Miller (36) also contributed with the bat.
For New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson took three wickets for 59 runs in 10 overs while Boult, Colin de Grandhomme and Mitchell Santner took one wicket each.
Before today’s game, New Zealand played four matches and won three of them. Their match against India was washed out due to rain.
South Africa, on the other hand, passed the toughest time among the top-ranked teams losing three of their five matches. They registered only one win while another match was washed out due to rain.
While New Zealand are at number three in the points table, South Africa are at number eight, ahead of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Losing today’s match will make South Africa’s road to semi-finals more difficult.UNB
