South Africa claimed a resounding victory at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 (CWC23), led by Quinton de Kock’s stunning century, which spurred them to a commanding 149-run win.
This remarkable triumph has propelled South Africa into second place on the leaderboard, boasting four wins and a remarkable net run rate that outshines all other teams in the tournament. Meanwhile, Bangladesh finds itself at the bottom of the standings, slipping below England.
In a thrilling showdown at the Wankhede Stadium, De Kock’s 20th ODI century, accompanied by some ruthless late hitting from Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, enabled South Africa to post a colossal total of 382/5 in their first innings.
Bangladesh, however, only started gaining momentum once the game was essentially decided, with Mahmudullah’s gritty run-a-ball 111 being a standout performance in an otherwise crushing defeat for them in Mumbai.
The brilliant De Kock, alongside Aiden Markram, stabilized South Africa’s innings after losing two early wickets during the opening powerplay. De Kock’s exceptional 174 from 140 deliveries, featuring 22 boundaries, set the tone for South Africa’s dominant performance.
Even De Kock’s departure in the 46th over couldn’t halt the onslaught, as Klaasen and David Miller unleashed a flurry of boundaries in the final stages, further boosting South Africa’s formidable total.
Klaasen narrowly missed his century, departing for 90 from 49 balls, while Miller concluded with 34 runs from just 15 deliveries. Despite Mahmudullah’s heroic effort, it wasn’t enough to prevent Bangladesh from sinking to the bottom of the table.
Aiden Markram, leading the South African team in the absence of Temba Bavuma, won the toss and opted to bat first. Bangladesh welcomed back their captain, Shakib Al Hasan, into the playing XI, who expressed his willingness to bowl first in an attempt to limit the opposition to a reasonable score.
South Africa’s openers began positively, despite an early dropped chance in the second over. They maintained their aggressive approach, even as the pitch provided some assistance to the bowlers.
However, Bangladesh struck twice in the first Powerplay, shaking South Africa’s efforts. Shoriful Islam’s delivery dismissed Reeza Hendricks, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz trapped Rassie van de Dussen leg before shortly afterward.
De Kock and Markram weathered the early storm and laid the foundation for a formidable South African total. De Kock reached a well-deserved century, and Markram’s positive strokeplay ensured a brisk scoring rate.
Markram’s dismissal in the 31st over brought Klaasen to the crease, igniting South Africa’s scoring rate once again. De Kock’s century, followed by David Miller’s explosive hitting, propelled South Africa to an imposing total.
Bangladesh faced a daunting target, and their innings unraveled under the Wankhede lights. A brilliant century from Mahmudullah provided some consolation, but it wasn’t enough to avert a substantial defeat.
Bangladesh’s reply got off to a steady start but was halted by Marco Jansen, who picked up two quick wickets. The wickets continued to fall, with Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Litton Das departing.
Mahmudullah’s courageous knock ensured Bangladesh avoided a record defeat, but quick wickets fell once he reached his century. South Africa secured a convincing victory with 3.2 overs and a significant 149-run margin.
