New Zealand remains unbeaten in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup alongside India, winning by four wickets against South Africa in the twenty-fifth match of the tournament at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Wednesday.
The toss was won by the Black Caps and they chose to field. After a delayed beginning owing to rain, the New Zealand bowling attack was able to limit South Africa to a total of 241 runs for the loss of six wickets in 49 overs.
The top two run-scorers for the Proteas were Rassie Van der Dussen (67) and Hashim Amla (55). After a below-par beginning to the tournament, Amla made his presence felt with the bat on Wednesday by becoming the second fastest cricketer after Indian skipper Virat Kohli completed 8000 ODI runs.
The 36-year-old reached the milestone after completing a double off the final delivery of the 12th over bowled by Lockie Ferguson. Following Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers and Herschelle Gibbs, the Proteas opener further became the nation’s fourth batsman to achieve the landmark.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson scored an unbeaten 106 off 138 deliveries. Williamson also received quality support from Colin de Grandhomme, an all-rounder, who scored a 47 ball 60 quickfire in an innings of five boundaries and two sixes.
Williamson stayed unbeaten until the end, with three balls to spare getting the side across the finishing line. Chris Morris, the all-rounder of Proteas, was the pick of the bowlers accounting for three wickets.
Official Highlights of the Match:
