Cricket
ICC World Cup 2023: India Opt to Field First Against Arch-Rivals Pakistan
India won the toss and opted to send Pakistan in to bat first in a high-stakes ICC World Cup match on Saturday in Ahmedabad.
Shubman Gill returns for India, replacing Ishan Kishan.
World Cup 2023: Tigers outplayed again as New Zealand win by 8 wickets
After the toss, Indian captain Rohit Sharma stated, "We'll bowl first in this charged atmosphere. The pitch is reliable; dew may play a role, so we opt to field. Our goal is excellence in every game."
Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, mentioned they would have made the same decision if they had won the toss.
World Cup 2023: Bangladesh post below par 245 against New Zealand
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad boasts a capacity of 1.3 lakh spectators, and during the toss, the stadium was filled to the brim, underscoring the fervor among fans for this match.
In World Cup history, India has faced Pakistan on seven occasions and emerged victorious every time.
ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan ODI Squad Analysis
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Pakistan (Playing XI): Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.
ICC World Cup 2023: Tigers outplayed again as New Zealand win by 8 wickets
Bangladesh suffered an 8-wicket defeat against New Zealand in their third match of the ICC World Cup 2023 held in Chennai.
Bangladesh managed to score 245 for nine in 50 overs, with Mushfiqur Rahim leading the charge with an impressive 66, while batting first after losing the toss.
In response, New Zealand successfully chased down the target in 42.5 overs, with both Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson, in his comeback match, notching half-centuries.
Before the Black Caps reached the target, Williamson retired hurt, but Mitchell held his ground, remaining unbeaten with a commendable 89 off 67 balls.
New Zealand's victory seemed almost effortless, encountering minimal resistance from the Bangladeshi bowling attack. Bangladesh displayed some lapses in their fielding performance.
This match marked Williamson's return after a hiatus of several months, showcasing his characteristic batting prowess.
Read: World Cup 2023: Bangladesh post below par 245 against New Zealand
New Zealand won the toss and opted to field first. However, Bangladesh encountered challenges in setting a formidable total.
The Tigers faced an early setback when Litton Das, with an elegant shot off his pads, lost his wicket off the very first ball of the innings. Although the ball traveled well, it found a fielder, courtesy of Trent Boult's inswing. The bowler, wearing a surprised yet satisfied expression, set the tone.
Following Litton, Tanzid Hasan Tamim departed swiftly, contending with a brisk delivery clocking 144 kilometers per hour. Tanzid's attempted drive only reached square leg, resulting in an easy catch. He left the field after scoring 16 off 17 balls.
Read: World Cup 2023: Mushfiq departs as Bangladesh's struggle persists
Mushfiqur Rahim emerged as the top scorer for Bangladesh, accumulating 66 runs off 75 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes.
Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz made valuable contributions with 40 and 30 runs, respectively.
In the final stretch, Mahmudullah Riyad's 41 runs proved pivotal in propelling Bangladesh to a total of 245.
Lockie Ferguson led the charge for New Zealand with three crucial wickets, while Trent Boult and Matt Henry secured two each.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Bangladesh lose both openers with Just 40 runs on board
ICC World Cup 2023: Bangladesh post below par 245 against New Zealand
In their third ICC World Cup match against New Zealand in Chennai, Bangladesh managed to post 245 for nine.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first. However, Bangladesh struggled to set a challenging total.
The Tigers lost their first wicket -ff the first ball when Litton Das, taking a few strides forward, executed a stylish shot off his pads. The ball traveled well but found a fielder. Trent Boult's inswing contributed to the misdirection. The bowler, looking surprised, wore a broad smile.
Following Litton, Tanzid Hasan Tamim fell quickly. The delivery was an impressive 144 kilometers per hour. Tanzid's attempted drive only managed to reach square leg for an easy catch. He departed after scoring 16 off 17 balls.
Mushfiqur Rahim emerged as the top scorer for Bangladesh, notching up 66 off 75 balls, including six fours and two sixes.
Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed with 40 and 30 runs, respectively.
In the final stretch, Mahmudullah Riyad's 41 runs helped Bangladesh reach a total of 245.
For New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson secured three wickets, while Trent Boult and Matt Henry took two each.
World Cup 2023: Mushfiq departs as Bangladesh's struggle persists
Mushfiqur Rahim fought hard for a fifty but fell when Bangladesh needed him most. After 36 overs, Bangladesh stood at 176 for six against New Zealand in their third ICC World Cup match in Chennai.
Before Mushfiqur, Bangladesh lost Shakib Al Hasan for 40 off 51 balls. He was struggling in the middle with an issue in his leg.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz had a promising start with 30 off 46 balls. However, a short ball from Lockie Ferguson proved his undoing. On the other hand, Najmul Hossain Shanto struggled, managing only 7.
Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Bangladesh lose both openers with Just 40 runs on board
All of Bangladesh's first four wickets fell due to loose shots.
Opener Litton Das departed for a duck on the very first ball of the match, marking the start of Bangladesh's difficulties.
Litton took a few strides forward on the first ball, executing a stylish shot off his pads. While the stroke was elegant, it carried an element of risk. It traveled well but found a fielder. Trent Boult's inswing contributed to the misdirection. The bowler, appearing surprised, wore a broad smile.
Following Litton, Tanzid Hasan Tamim also perished swiftly. The delivery was an impressive 144 kilometers per hour. Tanzid's attempted drive only managed to reach square leg for an easy catch. He departed after scoring 16 off 17 balls.
Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Bangladesh bat first against New Zealand
Kane Williamson made a comeback in this match after a prolonged absence due to injuries.
Bangladesh made a change in the XI, introducing Mahmudullah Riyad in place of Mahide Hasan.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Tigers ready for high-octane clash against Kiwis
ICC World Cup 2023: Bangladesh lose both openers with Just 40 runs on board
Litton Das surprised all by attempting a big shot off a short ball and was caught out on the very first delivery of the inning. Within a mere 40 runs, Bangladesh lost Tanzid Hasan Tamim as well.
In this ICC World Cup match held in Chennai, New Zealand won the toss and chose to send Bangladesh in to bat.
The delivery was clocked at an impressive 144 kilometres per hour. Tanzid's attempted drive only managed to reach the square leg for an easy catch. He departed after scoring 16 off 17 balls.
Earlier, Litton took a few strides forward on the first ball, executing a stylish shot off his pads. While the stroke was elegant, it carried an element of risk. It travelled well, but found a fielder. Trent Boult's inswing contributed to the misdirection. The bowler, appearing surprised, wore a broad smile.
Kane Williamson made a comeback in this match after a prolonged absence due to injuries.
Bangladesh made a change in the XI, introducing Mahmudullah Riyad in place of Mahide Hasan.
ICC World Cup 2023: Bangladesh bat first against New Zealand
In their third match of the ICC World Cup 2023, Bangladesh lost the toss to New Zealand and were sent to bat first in Chennai.
New Zealand's captain, Kane Williamson, makes his return to the team after recovering from injuries, taking the place of Will Young.
Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: Tigers ready for high-octane clash against Kiwis
Bangladesh's skipper, Shakib Al Hasan, said he was confused about whether to bat first or not but ultimately welcomed the opportunity.
A change was made in the Bangladesh lineup, with Mahmudullah Riyad returning to the playing XI in place of Mahedi Hasan.
Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: Bangladesh gear up for familiar foe NZ in Friday’s encounter
Bangladesh has previously faced New Zealand in five World Cup matches without a victory. In their recent ODI series, New Zealand emerged victorious against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh XI: Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman.
Also read: World Cup: Kane Williamson Set for Comeback in Bangladesh Match
New Zealand XI: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Trent Boult.
ICC World Cup 2023: Tigers ready for high-octane clash against Kiwis
The Bangladesh cricket team poised to face off against New Zealand in their third encounter of the ICC World Cup at 2:30 pm (Bangladesh time) on Friday.
Anticipation is high for this match, considering the recent history between these two teams.
Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: Bangladesh gear up for familiar foe NZ in Friday’s encounter
In their last ODI series, New Zealand emerged as victors. It marked Bangladesh's first series loss to New Zealand at home in over a decade. Bangladesh will surely come up strong to erase this recent memory to write a new one.
The match in Chennai marks Kane Williamson's return to competitive cricket after a prolonged absence due to injuries.
While the team was hopeful for Tim Southee's inclusion too, the pacer is still recovering.
Also read: World Cup: Kane Williamson Set for Comeback in Bangladesh Match
In contrast, Bangladesh are fielding their best, with the exception of Tamim Iqbal. The opener's injury concern led selectors to omit him from the World Cup squad.
Bangladesh's captain, Shakib Al Hasan, has a history of strong performances against New Zealand. In this crucial World Cup clash, his leadership will be pivotal.
This match holds significant importance for both Bangladesh and New Zealand, as they vie for a favorable position in the World Cup points table.
Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: Preview of BAN vs. NZ ODI
Bangladesh have played two matches in this World Cup so far, securing one win and enduring one defeat. Meanwhile, New Zealand has also played two matches, clinching victories in both, including one against the reigning world champions, England.
Bangladesh squad in the World Cup 2023: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Mahedi Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed.
New Zealand squad in the World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.
ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan ODI Squad Analysis
Pakistan has entered the ICC World Cup 2023 as a strong contender. In 1992, they clinched their first World Cup title, and now they aim to secure the title on the home turf of their arch-rivals. Having secured two victories already, Pakistan started the tournament with a strong squad. Let’s analyze Pakistan's Men's ODI squad for the 2023 ICC World Cup and see where they have strength.
Pakistan Squad for ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023
Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-Ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Saul Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule, Fixtures, Venues, Team List
Analysis of Pakistan ODI Squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Upon reviewing the squad, it appears to be fairly decent, but not without its weaknesses. A notable concern, aside from Naseem's injury, revolves around the inclusion of Hasan Ali, who has been absent from Pakistan's white-ball setup for a considerable period. This decision, however, might be justified by the desire to incorporate experience into the team.
The injury of Naseem Shah has stirred considerable discussion, given his status as one of the top pacers in world cricket, not just within Pakistan. Despite this setback, Pakistan maintains a promising chance to secure victory in the World Cup. The team consists of a tough top three, and their pace bowling arsenal, featuring talents like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, remains robust. Additionally, the presence of a skilled spinner, Shadab, who can also be useful with the bat, adds further depth to their lineup.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Preview of PAK vs IND ODI on Oct 14
A crucial aspect to consider is that none of the Pakistani cricketers in the current squad have experienced competitive cricket in India. This poses a significant challenge as the Indian pitch condition is different from Dubai or Sri Lanka.
However, Pakistan’s top order is the biggest strength of the team. The top order comprises three high-caliber ODI players Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam ul-Haq. Babar Azam, often greeted as the poster boy of Pakistan, stands out as the fastest to reach 5000 ODI runs and currently holds the prestigious title of the number 1 ranked ODI batter in the world. Renowned for his ability to accumulate runs, Babar Azam is a prolific run-scorer in this format. However, Babar could not help significantly in the first two matches. He has the capability to stand out in crucial matches.
Additionally, Fakhar Zaman, the opener, is a serial match-winner who played a key role in Pakistan's triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 with his memorable century against India. He holds the distinction of being the only Pakistani player to achieve three scores of 180 or more in ODIs. His remarkable innings of 194 in South Africa is regarded as one of the greatest ODI knocks of all time. Joining him as the opening partner is the consistently reliable Imam ul-Haq, who has demonstrated a keen ability to score runs in ODI cricket. With five half-centuries in his last ten innings and an ODI batting average around 50, Imam ul-Haq also secured a position in the top 10 ODI batting rankings.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: India ODI Squad Analysis
While Fakhar Zaman is Pakistan’s one of the top strengths, his form before the World Cup poses a significant concern for Pakistan, as the left-handed batsman has struggled to make an impact in the last 7-8 games before the tournament. His performance will be crucial for Pakistan's campaign in the upcoming matches.
Moving to the middle order, it features Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Shadab Khan as the all-rounder. While Mohammad Rizwan's overall ODI record may not be stellar, he has demonstrated good form this year and aims to sustain this momentum. Agha Salman, however, faced a downturn in the Asia Cup, placing added pressure on him to deliver. Iftikhar Ahmed, possessing ample experience, is expected to play at no. 6 and 7 positions for Pakistan, but consistency will be key. Shadab Khan, the all-rounder, adds depth to the lineup and is set to play a crucial role in both batting and bowling capacities.
Further, fielding remains a significant concern for Pakistan, and their poor fielding has been a contributing factor to several defeats in the past. It is imperative for them to identify their second or third-best fielder after Shadab Khan and address this aspect to enhance their overall performance.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Tickets: How to Buy Online, Booking, Prices, Starting Dates and Timings
Key Players to Watch in the Pakistan Men’s ODI Squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Babar Azam
The captain of Pakistan, who also stands out as their most prolific run-scorer in recent years, is a key player. Current number 1 player in ICC Men's ODI rankings. Babar has consistently secured a position among the top five batters in the format for the past six years. Despite a relatively modest performance in the recently-concluded Asia Cup by his own high standards, scoring 207 runs in four innings and falling short of leading his team into the final, Pakistan's prospects of qualifying for the World Cup semifinals will be tied to Babar's batting form and on-field decision-making.
Shaheen Afridi
Similar to Babar Azam’s performance in batting, Shaheen Afridi's spells with the ball will play a pivotal role in their ability to dismiss batters on the high-scoring pitches in India. Having debuted internationally at the age of 18 in 2018, Afridi has quickly emerged as Pakistan's main bowling spearhead, frequently securing a position in the top 10 ICC bowlers' rankings.
Mohammad Rizwan
A true fighter in every sense, Mohammad Rizwan has seized every opportunity that has crossed his path as a batter and wicketkeeper. Starting as an opener in T20Is, he has transitioned seamlessly into the number four position in ODIs. With fifty and a hundred in the two recent matches in World Cup 2023, he stands as the most in-form batter for Pakistan at the moment. His brilliance was evident in the 131 runs against Sri Lanka, where he not only reached the milestone but also stayed through to the end of the game.
Read more: Analysis of Bangladesh Squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Haris Rauf
In the absence of Naseem, he will need to pose an even more significant role than he already does for Pakistan, particularly in the middle and death overs. And he has been doing his role well, as he grabbed 5 wickets in the first two matches of the World Cup 2023.
Final Words
Pakistan aims to grab the 2023 ICC Men's ODI World Cup. Despite recent challenges, including Naseem Shah's injury and potential hindrance of inconsistency, the team remains steadfast with a stable and experienced lineup. The bowling attack demonstrates competitiveness, and the batting lineup possesses depth in spin. Identifying the right formula for success becomes crucial at this stage. If they can effectively implement a strategic game plan, Pakistan men's ODI squad has the potential to clinch the trophy, marking their victory after 31 years since their last victory in 1992.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Live Streaming: How and Where to Watch all matches Online
ICC World Cup 2023: Preview of PAK vs IND ODI on Oct 14
India is set to host Pakistan in a much-anticipated group-stage match of the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup on Saturday, October 14. The game kicks off at 3 pm Bangladesh time and will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a massive venue with a seating capacity of 132,000.
Pakistan recently made headlines by achieving the highest run-chase in World Cup history in their victory over Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Meanwhile, India got a smooth win in their first two matches.
Preview of PAK vs IND ODI On Oct 14 in ICC World Cup 2023
This intense World Cup showdown follows Pakistan's loss against India in the Asia Cup 2023, and India pushed them down from the top spot in the world's ODI rankings. In the World Cup warm up matches, the Pakistan team didn't perform very well. However, on October 10, Pakistan achieved the highest run-chase in World Cup history by defeating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets.
Meanwhile, India played Afghanistan in the second match on October 11. India dominated Afghanistan, securing their second consecutive victory in the World Cup. Rohit Sharma played an outstanding innings, scoring 131 runs off 84 balls setting new records along the way. With this win, the hosts climbed to the second position in the points table, comfortably reaching the target of 273 with 15 overs to spare. Previously, on October 9, India triumphed over Australia by six wickets with 52 balls remaining.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Venues: Cities and Stadiums in India
There is no injury report so far. So, both teams will start the match with full force. It is time to see if Pakistan can get their desired victory against India in the World Cup event. India and Pakistan have competed in seven matches in ICC ODI World Cup tournaments. In these encounters, India emerged victorious in all seven instances, while Pakistan did not secure a win. The highest run total achieved by India in these clashes is 336 runs, whereas Pakistan's highest score is 273. The lowest total posted by Pakistan is 173, and India's lowest total is 216.
In recent clashes, the two teams faced each other twice in the recently concluded Asia Cup. During the Group A fixture in Pallekele, the Pakistani bowlers exerted control, limiting India to a score of 266 before rain intervened, preventing any additional play. However, India won the Super Four match in the Asia Cup 2023 against Pakistan.
With both teams having good form, the rivalry clash will surely be entertaining.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Tickets: How to Buy Online, Booking, Prices, Starting Dates and Timings
PAK vs IND Head to Head in ODI
India and Pakistan have competed in 134 ODIs. In these encounters, India won in 56 matches, while Pakistan secured victory in 73 instances. Additionally, five matches concluded without a result.
Table: Pakistan vs India Head-to-Head ODI Matches So Far
Matches
Pakistan Won
India Won
No Result
134
73
56
5
Predicted Playing XI for Pakistan
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.
Predicted Playing XI for India
Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule, Fixtures, Venues, Team List
Key Pakistani Players to Watch
Mohammad Rizwan
Pakistan achieved a successful run chase, reaching a target of 345 runs against Sri Lanka in their second match in World Cup 2023. Mohammad Rizwan is one of the key contributors to this victory. Rizwan played a stellar innings, scoring 131 runs off 121 deliveries. Previously, he also scored 68 runs from 75 balls. And he will play a key role against the rivals in the next match.
Haris Rauf
Haris has taken 5 wickets so far in this World Cup. In the absence of Naseem Shah, he has been playing an even more crucial role for Pakistan, particularly in the middle and death overs. In the first match, he showcased his form by taking 3 wickets for 43 runs against the Netherlands. He also grabbed two wickets against Sri Lanka.
Babar Azam
Babar is yet to play his regular game and give his best. In the last two matches, he scored only 15 runs. It seems he is not in good form, but he can spark at any time. So, we can assume that he will try his best against arch-rival India. However, he has been doing well in his captaincy role.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan ODI Squad Analysis
Key Indian Players to Watch
Rohit Sharma
While Rohit may not be an unstoppable force as he was four years ago, when he recorded a record-breaking five centuries at the 2019 World Cup, he continues to display mastery in the 2023 World Cup. Sharma achieved a historic seventh World Cup century in India's victory over Afghanistan. Rohit Sharma's outstanding performance led India to a commanding eight-wicket win in Wednesday's group match in Delhi.
Virat Kohli
After scoring 85 runs in the first match and 55 in the second match, we must say Kohli is in consistent form. Also, his 122 runs against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 surely make Pakistan conscious for the next match. Further, Kohli boasts an impressive record against Pakistan, accumulating a total of 626 runs in 15 innings, including 3 centuries and 2 half-centuries.
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah delivered his best bowling spell (4/39) in a 50-over World Cup during India's clash with Afghanistan in Match 9 of the ICC World Cup 2023 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. With that, he grabbed a total of 6 wickets, making him the second-highest wicket-taker so far in World Cup 2023.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: India ODI Squad Analysis
Surprise Ahead of the PAK vs. IND Clash
With only two days remaining for the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, reports indicate that Indian cinema superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth, along with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, are all set to attend and witness the match. Additionally, there are rumors that Arijit Singh may perform live during the event. Some media reports suggest there will be a light show and dance performances as well. The Bollywood stars' event is scheduled to commence at 12:40 pm on the day and conclude by 1:10 pm.
In addition to that, the BCCI will release 14,000 tickets for the India vs. Pakistan match on October 14, 2023. The Indian Cricket Board conveyed this information to fans via the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Final Words
The highly anticipated PAK vs. IND clash in the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup promises an intense battle. With India having a strong start and Pakistan achieving a historic run-chase, both teams are in good form. Players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Mohammad Rizwan, and Jasprit Bumrah are key to watch. With more tickets released in phases and both teams at full strength, the rivalry will undoubtedly be entertaining.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Live Streaming: How and Where to Watch all matches Online
ICC World Cup 2023: De Kock's dominance leads South Africa to resounding win over Australia
In a remarkable display of batting, Quinton de Kock notched a second consecutive century, steering South Africa to a commanding victory over Australia by 134 runs at the ICC World Cup on Thursday.
The 30-year-old's stellar innings of 109 off 106 balls propelled South Africa to a formidable total of 311-7.
Read: World Cup 2023: de Kock's Century Boosts South Africa to 311 against Australia
Australia's fielding, undermined by five dropped catches, proved costly as they were subsequently bowled out for a mere 177.
Kagiso Rabada's impressive 3-33, supported by Keshav Maharaj's valuable 2-30, restricted the Australian batters during a tenacious 10-over spell.
While South Africa celebrate two wins in as many games, Australia, yet to secure a point, faces an uphill battle with a net run-rate plummeting to -1.84.
Read: World Cup 2023: Bangladesh gear up for familiar foe NZ in Friday’s encounter
The left-handed de Kock, in his final major international tournament, formed a formidable opening partnership with captain Temba Bavuma, ultimately setting the stage for South Africa's triumph. De Kock's impeccable form, marked by eight fours and five sixes, earned him his 19th ODI century.
However, the Australian side, once considered a strong contender for the semifinals, faces a steep challenge in reviving their ODI form, having suffered seven losses in their last eight matches, including four against South Africa.