Quinny, Rassie run riot

SA’s Quinton de Kock (right) celebrates his century with Rassie van der Dussen in Pune yesterday. Pic/PTI

It's not a secret that South Africa like batting first in ODI cricket and have a tried and tested blueprint for success. Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen lay the foundation for the first two-thirds of the innings and Markram, Miller and Klaasen build the skyscrapers in the last one-third. It was therefore surprising to see New Zealand's Tom Latham elect to field first on a great batting wicket in Pune on Wednesday. Dew was one of the reasons Latham gave at the toss, but it played right into South Africa's hands.

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De Kock's sweet spot

Since announcing that he will quit ODI cricket at the end of this World Cup, de Kock is batting like a man possessed. The massive sweet spot that he currently has on his bat grew even bigger in here on Wednesday. Making the most of his luck (he was dropped on 12 by Glenn Phillips) he brought up century No. 4 in this World Cup. Four centuries in seven matches is sensational stuff. Giving him company in their 200-run partnership was Classy Rassie van der Dussen who himself scored his second ton of this World Cup.

The trio of David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram then looted 67 of the last five overs and took South Africa to a massive 357 for 4 from their 50 overs. New Zealand were more disciplined with the ball than they were in the game against Australia, but although they managed to keep the scoring in check at the start, their inability to pick wickets between the ninth and 40th over meant that they were always going to be chasing a massive total.

Jansen strikes in Powerplay

The three truths of life are death, taxes and Marco Jansen picking wickets with the new ball in every Powerplay of this World Cup. The extra bounce he generates with his 2.06 metre height accounted for both Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra.

The procession of wickets continued with only Glenn Phillips getting past 50. True to the Hindi saying "Kaddu katega, sab mein batega" the wickets were shared around by all the Protea bowlers.

With the win, South Africa now move back to the top of the table and their next match versus India should finally settle the battle for the top spot.NZ, on the other hand, need to find a way to get out of their three-match losing streak.

Brief scores
South Africa 357-4 in 50 overs (R van der Dussen 133, Q de Kock 114, D Miller 53; T Southee 2-77) beat New Zealand 167 all out in 35.3 overs (G Phillips 60, W Young 33; K Maharaj 4-46, M Jansen 3-31, G Coetzee 2-41) by 190 runs.