Hapless Australia crash into South African juggernaut
Australia suffered yet another defeat at the hands of South Africa, this time by a staggering 134 runs. South Africa scored 311 thanks to Quinton de Kock’s second century of the tournament. Kagiso Rabada then led the destruction of Australia’s middle order, dismissing Smith, Inglis, and Stoinis in the 18th over to leave Australia floundering at 70/6. The inferior class could only accomplish so much. For those who enjoy statistics, this was South Africa’s ninth victory in their last eleven matches against Australia. Since the previous ODI World Cup, South Africa has beaten Australia 8-2.
South Africa spread their wings, but not yet cleared for take-off
South Africa’s total of 311/7 was likely 30 runs below what they could have scored. But that was irrelevant. The constant rain of dropped receptions cast melancholy over Australia’s time on the field. In addition to their curiously lackluster performance at the plate, they were victims of what could be termed inventive umpiring. However, victories over Sri Lanka in Delhi on Saturday and Australia on Thursday amount to nothing more than two games played and two wins; seven to go. Beating Australia has greater significance, but not enough to convince South Africans that this time will be different. Telford Vice’s analysis of South Africa’s second consecutive convincing CWC 2023 victory
