During a thrilling match at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, New Zealand suffered their second-biggest World Cup loss as a result of a crushing loss. With a massive 357 runs, South Africa’s powerful squad showed no signs of weakness. This was their fourth event in which they had accomplished the amazing achievement of scoring more than 350 runs. On the other hand, New Zealand’s meagre 167 in 35.3 overs was nothing near the imposing target set by their South African adversaries.
The absence of Kane Williamson, one of New Zealand’s finest players, played a major role in their struggles. His absence from the game significantly affected the team’s batting lineup, which was unable to perform well in front of the crowd. The pacers from South Africa, along with their lone spinner, Keshav Maharaj, took advantage of the situation and sent a clear message.
Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen formed a powerful tandem that further cemented South Africa’s supremacy. Together with De Kock’s incredible 113, his fourth century in the current World Cup, Van der Dussen’s well-compiled 133 demonstrated their brilliant combination of prudence and aggressiveness. This partnership was a turning point in the match.
The supremacy of South Africa’s batting extended beyond their top order. With a fast-paced 53-run innings, David Miller gave the team the momentum they needed going into the last overs. To make matters worse for New Zealand, South Africa’s spectacular finish enabled them to amass an incredible 119 runs in their last 10 overs.
In the middle of the thrilling cricket match, an intriguing occurrence happened on the ground that got the interest of both spectators and commentators. In a video released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Trent Boult was seen shadow-batting and honing a specific stroke during a break in South Africa’s batting innings. This occurrence was significant because, against Marco Jansen, in the second innings, Boult played the exact stroke he had been practising to perfection, leaving everyone stunned.
[VIDEO] Trent Boult Plays The Exact Shot That He Shadow Practised
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