South Africa set a World Cup record for the most sixes by a team in a single edition during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 fixture against 2019 finalists New Zealand at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
Proteas struck 15 sixes in the fixture against New Zealand to best England’s record 76 sixes. The defending champions had hit 75 maximums in the 2019 edition.
South Africa, who are eyeing their first 50-over World Cup title, gave a daunting target of 358 runs in today’s game.
Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen’s centuries powered South Africa to post a massive total of 357/4 against New Zealand.
The Proteas had a contrasting start to their innings as their captain Temba Bavuma (24) perished cheaply with just 38 runs on the board.
Following an early blow, van der Dussen and Quinton de Kock joined forces to dominate New Zealand bowlers and added 200 runs for the second wicket before experienced pacer Tim Southee finally got rid of the latter.
De Kock scored 114 in 116 deliveries with the help of 10 boundaries and three sixes.
Meanwhile, van der Dussen stood his ground firm and batted till the 48th before he, too, fell victim to Southee.
The right-handed batter top-scored for South Africa with 133 in 118 balls, smashing nine boundaries and five sixes.
Besides them, hard-hitting batter David Miller scored a quickfire half-century to further boost South Africa’s total.
Miller scored 53 in just 30 deliveries, laced up with two boundaries and four sixes.
Later, Heinrich Klaasen (15*) and Aiden Markram (6*)smashed a six each.
New Zealand, in pursuit of a daunting 358-run total, are struggling against South African pacers as they could manage to score 90/4 in 18 overs.
READ: Quinton de Kock sets unique records with New Zealand ton