It’s been 20 years since South Africa beat New Zealand at the World Cup. The last time it happened, England were the hosts and the venue - Warwickshire County Cricket Club in Edgbaston. So, one would find it relatively easy to pardon any South African fans if they thought the stars would once again align well to help their side trounce the Kiwis.
On Wednesday (June 19), nothing apart from this small and inconsequential piece of history favoured the Proteas. They were trounced by a determined-looking New Zealand by four wickets as they extended their unbeaten run at the 2019 ICC World Cup to four matches. But a closer look at the match reveals how big was this win for the Kiwis. Not just in terms of the numbers or the opposition, but also in terms of proving that this team has the capabilities of digging deep for victories if need be.
The game started off on a somber note after the scheduled play was pushed by over an hour and the game reduced to 49 overs after the ground staff struggled to dry the outfield post some downpour. But once it got rolling, the Black Caps were on the money from the word go.
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It’s their pace battery that’s wreaked havoc so far in the competition. The quartet of Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Jimmy Neesham and Lockie Ferguson have been deadly and share 32 of the 36 wickets that they have managed. And things were no different at Edgbaston too. Boult was the first to strike as he had Quinton de Kock’s stumps flying all over the place with the one angling in towards the leg stump. Soon Ferguson joined the party as he sent the Protean skipper Faf du Plessis back into the hut with a pitch-perfect yorker.
Soon it would feel like a lopsided affair as the South Africans could barely muster any courage to face the Kiwi onslaught. But even as the wickets kept tumbling at one end, the likes of Hashim Amla and Rassie van der Dussen stuck to their task and helped South Africa post 241 for six. On any other day, the total should have been a cake walk. But not today. The downpour meant that the pitch was damp and sticky, and the ball was not coming on to the bat as one would have liked.
'Slower ball it is, six it is!'
— ICC (@ICC) June 19, 2019
See Kane Williamson's instant classic and other super shots from New Zealand's innings#BACKTHEBLACKCAPS#NZvSA #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/MD2k5GJqDH
Though the Kiwis came out all guns blazing, they were soon in for some reality check. Collin Munro was back in the pavilion after failing to negotiate some chin music. In came skipper Kane Williamson who too struggled to get bat to ball in the start of the innings. But as his stay progressed, Williamson realized the need for patience and taking opportunities when presented. While he was cautious against the spin of Imran Tahir and the guile of Kagiso Rabada, the 28-year-old went after Andile Phehlukwayo. Later, Colin de Grandhomme would too chip in with a valuable knock to ensure that his side crossed the line.
While for the Kiwis, this game showcased their willingness to dig deep and adjust to the prevalent conditions in order to eke out a result, the South African should look back to it as a game in which their sloppiness under pressure and a few error judgements cost them dear.
Feature image courtesy: AFP Photo/ Oli Scarff
