ICC World Cup 2023: South Africa beat Australia by 134 runs to continue winning start

South Africa inflicted a heavy 134 runs defeat on Australia in the 10th match of the ICC World Cup 2023. 

The result is the heaviest World Cup defeat for the Aussies who were comprehensively beaten by their African opponents on Thursday. 

De Kock & Markram shine again 

Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Ekana Sports City in Lucknow. 

Quinton de Kock and captain Temba Bavuma provided a good start, with the duo building over 100 runs partnership. 

Bavuma departed on 35 but De Kock continued his top form and completed his century off 90 balls. 

This is his second hundred in the ICC World Cup 2023, with the 30-year-old also making a century in their victory over Sri Lanka last week. 

Glenn Maxwell finally dismissed him for 109 but Aiden Markram then took up the charge. 

Markram, who completed the fastest World Cup century against Sri Lanka last week, hit a brilliant 56 runs knock off 44 balls with the help of seven boundaries and a sixer. 

Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller and Marco Jansen also contributed important runs as the Proteas reached 311 score in 50 overs. 

For the Aussies, Glenn Maxwell was the most economical bowler plus he also claimed the two important scalps of De Kock and Bavuma. 

Disappointing batting performance from Australia

South Africa had batted well but the target still looked within reach for the Pat Cummins-led side. 

However, the five-time world champions’ batting display was hugely disappointing, and they never looked like chasing the total once they started batting. 

Marco Jansen dismissed Mitchell Marsh on seven, while David Warner fell prey to Lungi Ngidi on 13. 

The experienced Steve Smith also failed to stay long at the crease and lost his wicket to Kagiso Rabada in the 10th over. 

Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis couldn’t even reach double digits as Australia slumped to 70-6. 

From then onwards, it looked like they were hoping to salvage their run-rate instead of trying to pull off an unlikely victory. 

However, they were bowled out for a meagre 177 with 55 balls to spare. Only Marcus Labuschagne played a decent innings of 46 off 74 balls but he also departed in the 35th over. 

The result means Australia have now lost their opening two World Cup matches and must significantly improve their performances to make a comeback in the tournament. 

They will return to action against Sri Lanka on Monday, while the Proteas will face Netherlands on October 17. 

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