In a thrilling showdown at Mumbai›s Wankhede, South Africa emerged victorious, defeating Bangladesh by a substantial margin of 149 runs in the 23rd match of the World Cup 2023.
South African opener Quinton de Kock showcased a stellar performance, amassing an impressive 174 runs and leading his team to a formidable total. This remarkable inning marked de Kock›s third century in World Cup competition, all of which were achieved in this tournament. On the opposing side, Bangladesh›s Mahmudullah also delivered a stunning century, securing his place among World Cup centurions for the first time.
This victory propelled South Africa to the second spot in the World Cup points table, overtaking New Zealand, who had secured only four wins but held the same points as South Africa, thanks to a superior run rate.
In a match held on Tuesday, South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. Their performance was nothing short of spectacular as they posted an imposing total of 382 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 50 overs. In response, the Bangladeshi team could only muster 233 runs in 46.4 overs.
Apart from de Kock›s phenomenal contribution, South African captain Aiden Markram played a solid inning, amassing 60 runs, while Heinrich Klaasen displayed exceptional prowess with his 90-run knock. David Miller remained unbeaten at 34 runs from 15 balls. Among the bowlers, Marco Janson, Kagiso Rabada, and Gerald Coetzee all excelled by taking two wickets each.
In an interview on the Dafa News Cricket Show, Zimbabwe›s national player/coach Tasmin Granger commented on Klaasen›s explosive performance after the dismissal of Captain Markram at 167/3. Klaasen showcased a dazzling display, smashing 8 sixes and 2 fours on his way to scoring 90 runs off 49 balls. This marked his sixth half-century and his second 50 score in the current tournament.
Granger also noted that Klaasen›s eight sixes placed him in a tie for second place with AB de Villiers, who achieved the same feat in a World Cup innings in 2015. At the top of the list stands David Miller, who recorded an impressive nine sixes against Zimbabwe in Hamilton during the 2015 World Cup. Additionally, de Kock contributed to the six-fest with seven sixes in his innings of 174 runs from 140 balls against Bangladesh.
South Africa›s remarkable achievement included notching up the highest score of 350 or more for the eighth time in World Cup history. De Kock›s 174 runs, Captain Aiden Markram›s 60 runs, and Heinrich Klaasen›s 90 runs were instrumental in this impressive feat.
The victory has undoubtedly bolstered South Africa›s position in the tournament, and fans around the world eagerly await their upcoming matches.
Most runs in the last 10 overs of an innings in ODI WC since 2003 WC
– 153 by NZ vs WI (2015)
– 152 by WI vs ZIM (2015)
– 150 by SA vs WI (2015)
– 146 by SA vs ZIM (2015)
– 144 by SA vs BAN (2023)*
– 143 by SA vs ENG (2023)
South Africa has become the first team to score 350+ three times in the same World Cup.
428/5 vs SL
399/7 vs ENG
382/5 vs BAN
