It was the game the World Cup needed but, sadly, it proved to be the final straw for South Africa who, it has to be said, have been poor this tournament.
New Zealand’s tense 49th-over victory at Edgbaston on Wednesday night gave us our first true edge-of-your-seats thriller of this World Cup so far and proved that you don’t need to hit big sixes and flamboyant fours to make it a great game.
It was a poor performance from South Africa. They were far too hesitant with the bat and failed to exert anywhere near enough pressure on the New Zealand bowlers. They actually did well to get 241 when 220 looked more likely, but it was still well short of par on that pitch which would have been about 270280.
They did, however, bowl exceptionally well at times, with great pace, but with Kane Williamson at the crease you always got the feeling New Zealand were going to win the game. South Africa had their opportunities with a missed run-out and a couple of dropped catches but Williamson was always in control and went about his business expertly. He was outstanding.
Many say that New Zealand hadn’t been truly tested up until Wednesday, but they showed they have the character and the skill to come through sticky situations and that will bode well in the latter stages of the competition.
This story is from the June 21, 2019 edition of The Cricket Paper.
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This story is from the June 21, 2019 edition of The Cricket Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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