New Zealand remained undefeated in this World Cup after clinching a nail-biting counter against South Africa by four wickets. The main man for the Kiwis in this match was the skipper, Kane Williamson.
He led the chase and was impeccable while playing the role of an anchor. What was expected to be a one-sided match, turned out to be a thriller? Fortunately, New Zealand, like always had the support of their captain Kane.
Impressive Proteas
The 25th match between New Zealand and South Africa saw the Proteas posting 241/6 in 49 overs. Hasim Amla scored 83-ball 55 and completed his 8000 runs.
He became the second quickest batsman to do the same. Amla added 58 runs for the second wicket along with Faf du Plessis (23) and then developed another partnership of 52 runs with Aiden Markram (38).
Once Amla was gone in the 28th over Rassie van der Dussen came and added a quick unbeaten 67 off 64. David Miller scored 36 runs at the end and finally, South Africa could put a decent target.
Lockie Ferguson continued his good form to scalp three wickets and Colin de Grandhomme turned out to be the most economical bowler to finish with 1/33 in 10 overs.
During the chase, New Zealand got the initial blow when Kagiso Rabada sent Collin Munro back in the second over. Then New Zealand lost three quick wickets on 72, 74 and 80.
James Neesham scored 23 runs to put up some sort of fight which was obviously not enough. The Kiwis were suddenly 137/5 with Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, and Neesham back to the pavilion.
Kane Williamson was a lone watcher who was trying to fight all alone from the other end. All he needed was a trustworthy partner and de Grandhomme joined him.
Captain Kane from New Zealand in World Cup 2019
Kane crafted one amazing 106 off 138 balls whereas de Grandhomme scored 60 off 47 balls. They developed a partnership of 91 runs that helped New Zealand to chase the target down.
The key to run chase is to understand the situation and play accordingly. With fewer wickets in hand, a dependable batter needs to defend well, be careful about his wicket and also keep an eye on the scoreboard.
This is what exactly Kane did. He got one life in the 38th over of chase which probably made him more concrete and determined. Even when de Grandhomme was out in the 48th over New Zealand required 14 runs to win from 11 balls.
The final equation came down in the last over was eight off six and literally, anything could happen. Mitchell Santer took one run and gave the strike to Kane. The skipper went for one over- boundary and then one boundary to finish off the match with three balls remaining.
In the course, Kane completed 1000 ODI runs in England in just 17 innings. He scored 3000 ODI runs and became the 2nd New Zealand captain to do so. This was also his maiden World Cup ton.
He became only the 5th captain to score a century in a successful World Cup chase. New Zealand recorded their consecutive ten successful run-chase in the World Cup.
They are currently just behind Australia who had a record of winning 19 times during the chase.
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