New Zealand rode to the top of the table in Birmingham on Wednesday, June 19th, with a fantastic victory at the ICC Men’s 2019 World Cup Cricket World Cup against South Africa.
The spirits of the 2015 World Cup semi-finals continued to haunt South Africa in Edgbaston when New Zealand landed again on the winning side and pursued a goal of 242.
KANE WILLIAMSON! He pumps a SIX over mid-wicket bringing up his 12th ODI century! Next ball through gully for four and the BLACKCAPS claim a four wicket victory 🏏 #CWC19 #NZvSA #BACKTHEBLACKCAPS pic.twitter.com/r4voxQ0JFq
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 19, 2019
The start of the game was delayed due to the wet field and was eventually reduced to 49 overs per team. South Africa had a shaky start, losing to opener Quinton de Kock in the second round for five goals at Trent Boult. It was the fifth time that the South African became the Paceman’s victim in ODI cricket.
Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis remained in check for a while due to the New Zealand Quicks. But as the partnership began to flourish, Lockie Ferguson cleared with 23 points for du Plessis. Aiden Markram also shared a crucial 52-run stand with Amla, but on his wicket South Africa stuttered at 111/3.
Both Markram (38) and David Miller (36) started, but failed to turn their innings into a big one. It was Rassie van der Dussen who scored the most goals for his team. His unbeaten 67 out of 64 lifted South Africa to 241/6.
New Zealand also lost an early wicket when Kagiso Rabada caught Colin Munro and bowled for 9. Guptill played with caution with Williamson and made steady progress.
The duo collected a crucial 60-run stand, but Guptill stepped on his stumps and turned on his leg stump. In no time New Zealand lost the experienced Ross Taylor and Tom Latham and they were reduced to 80/4.
Despite the loss of three crucial wickets, Captain Williamson remained unmoved and ticked the scoreboard. He built up much needed partnerships with Jimmy Neesham (23) and Colin de Grandhomme (60 of 47).
Captain and coach embrace! Special moment caught sideline as Kane comes off after his superb innings – 106* (138) 🏏 A true captain's knock! #CWC19 #NZvSA #BACKTHEBLACKCAPS pic.twitter.com/AWv01bL0mi
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 19, 2019
Above all, De Grandhomme has put his skipper under pressure for a fantastic half century, even as South Africa did not notice his chances in the field.
After eight players had survived the finale, a six came out Williamson’s hundreds, and he went on to win the triumphs with the third ball of the final.
Team Standings
