New Zealand vs South Africa | De Kock and van der Dussen’s tons knock the stuffing out of the Kiwis

NZ vs SA: Latham’s decision to insert South Africa misfires as the Proteas amass 357; New Zealand comes a cropper in the steep chase to go down by 190 runs; Maharaj hastens the end with a four-wicket haul to complement Jansen’s triple strike

Bat first, bat big and bat the opposition out of the game. That’s been South Africa’s success mantra in the Men’s World Cup so far. When New Zealand inserted South Africa in to bat after winning the toss, the latter was served an opportunity to repeat it at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday night.

And it did not disappoint. After Quinton de Kock’s fourth hundred of the tournament and his scintillating partnership with Rassie van der Dussen, the other centurion, helped South Africa pile on a gargantuan 357 for four, it was always going to be quite an uphill task for New Zealand.

The batting line-up that fell one six short of chasing down a target of 389 against Australia in its last outing wilted under the Proteas fire-power.

As a result, well before Glenn Phillips’ counter-attack was over to signal the end of the Kiwi innings for 167, more than half of the 31,940 spectators that had flocked to the stadium had started their arduous journey back to the city.

While Keshav Maharaj took four wickets after the pace pack had taken the fizz out of the chase, the game was set up by de Kock and van der Dussen’s second 200-run partnership of the tournament.

Captain Temba Bavuma was uncharacteristically aggressive — his six off Matt Henry over extra-cover being the standout stroke of the day.

But once he miscued a drive off Trent Boult in the ninth over, van der Dussen joined de Kock at the crease.