Faf du Plessis’ South Africa is certainly on backfoot with just a win in 5 matches in this World Cup 2019. On the other side, New Zealand who have been unbeaten and dominant are placed at number three with 9 points. While this tournament has been a much better for the Kiwis as compared to the South African team, the history too doesn’t really favour the Proteas.
Out of the 7 World Cup matches, South Africa have lost five and have won only a couple of them. Moreover, the last time the two teams met (in 2015 edition), New Zealand stole away a win from South Africa in Auckland.
Batting first in a rain-affected match AB de Villiers’ South Africa scored 281/5 in 43 overs riding on Du Plessis’ 82 and De Villiers’ 65*. New Zealand needed 298 in 43 overs according to D/L method and captain Brendon McCullum started off the innings in an aggressive manner. He scored 59 off 26. New Zealand then lost some wickets in middle overs but a stand of 103 runs between Grant Elliot and Corey Anderson got them back in the game. New Zealand eventually won the game by 4 wickets with one ball to spare. Elliot remained unbeaten at 84.
