World Cup 2023: It was clinical display with both bat and ball – Temba Bavuma after win against New Zealand

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma was delighted after their gargantuan win of 190 runs against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Wednesday. The Proteas continued their batting supremacy as they posted a huge score of 357 runs on the board, courtesy of centuries from Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen.

Quinton scored a fine knock of 114 runs whereas Rassie van der Dussen contributed with 133 runs. After Temba Bavuma was dismissed cheaply for 24 runs, Quinton and van der Dussen added 200 runs for the second wicket alliance.

Furthermore, David Miller added the finishing touches for the Proteas as he scored a 30-ball 53. On the other hand, South Africa were able to skittle out New Zealand at 167 runs and thus won by a massive margin.

The Proteas bowlers were right on the money with Keshav Maharaj taking four wickets. Marco Jansen continued to impress with the new ball as he snared three wickets whereas Gerald Coetzee bagged two wickets. Ergo, South Africa came up with a collective effort with bat and ball.

Temba Bavuma said in the post-match presentation, “Clinical display I would say. We had a good partnership between de Kock and Rassie. Fairly happy, clinical in terms of the execution by the bowlers. Quinny and I tried to assess the conditions. We pouched on the bad balls, was able to put a couple of them away. Quinny wasn’t in his flow at the start, but stuck to the plan – go unscathed till the 30th over and then maximise with our big hitters.”

He added, “We knew they were going to come hard at us, and we would get the opportunities. We did what we have been doing. Need to check with our (team) manager, but looks like this win does guarantee us a semi-final spot, so we’ll celebrate a bit tomorrow and back to work day after.”

South Africa is now just a win away from the semifinal spot and they will aim to continue their good form in the upcoming matches.

The Proteas will next take on hosts India at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday.