Bat first, bat big and bat the opposition out of the game. That’s been South Africa’s success mantra in the Men’s World Cup so far. When New Zealand inserted South Africa in to bat after winning the toss, the latter was served an opportunity to repeat it at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday night.
And it did not disappoint. After Quinton de Kock’s fourth hundred of the tournament and his scintillating partnership with Rassie van der Dussen, the other centurion, helped South Africa pile on a gargantuan 357 for four, it was always going to be quite an uphill task for New Zealand.
The batting line-up that fell one six short of chasing down a target of 389 against Australia in its last outing wilted under the Proteas fire-power.
