Auckland, March 24 (IANS) Faf du Plessis (82) and captain AB de Villiers (65 not out) took South Africa to 281/5 in 43 overs against New Zealand in the rain-curtailed first semifinal of the cricket World Cup at the Eden Park here on Tuesday.
Du Plessis, who scored his 15th One-Day International (ODI) half-century, held the innings together. The right-handed batsman was involved in a crucial 83-run stand with Rilee Rossouw (39) for the third wicket.
That set up the game for the big-hitters like de Villiers and David Miller. Left-hander Miller bludgeoned his way to a 18-ball 49 fired the team to 281/5 in 43 overs. As per the Duckworth/Lewis (D/L) method, the host need 298 in 43 overs.
At the start, South Africa openers Hashim Amla (10) and Quinton de Kock (14) failed to make the best of New Zealand's generosity. In the fifth ball of the second over, left-handed de Kock edged a pacer Trent Boult delivery but wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi failed collect it.
In the second delivery of the third over, right-handed Amla also got a reprieve as the batsman pulled a Tim Southee ball only to be dropped by Boult at fine leg.
However, Boult made amends by removing both the batsmen. The left-arm seamer rattled Amla's stumps before de Kock offering a catch to Southee.
At 31/2 in 7.5 overs, Rossouw (39) joined du Plessis in the middle and the duo eased the pressure with sensible batting. The left-right combination stitched a 83-run partnership for the third wicket.
After Rossouw fell to Corey Anderson, offering a catch to Martin Guptill at point, skipper de Villiers and du Plessis started their show.
While du Plessis held the innings together, de Villiers was at his destructive best, finding boundaries at will.
Du Plessis took 85 balls to complete his fifty, while his skipper needed just 32. And as a result of the latter's big-hitting, South Africa collected 152 runs in the final 13 overs and 97 runs in the final eight overs.
In the 36th over, de Villiers was dropped on 38 by Kane Williamson off Anderson. The right-handed batsman jumped on the chance and punished them with impunity. He recorded his 46th fifty in 32 balls. He came up with a a six and two fours in the same over.
Rain halted play after 38 overs and continued for more than 90 minutes. However, de Viliers continued his mayhem even as du Plessis perished after the break due to rain. Miller's pyrotechnics that included three sixes and six fours gave the finish his team needed.
Then the speed of Corona started increasing: Delhi government's big decision; 500 will have to be paid for not wearing a mask. fine, schools will remain open
In view of the danger of new variants of Kovid, the Delhi government has made it compulsory to apply masks. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) took this decision in its meeting on
Chhath is also changing: the birth of a son used to increase the Prasad's soup, now Chhath is happening for daughters too
"Run-jhunki daughter Mangila, Padhal Panditwa son-in-law…" This song has been sung by Chhath for years. One example was also in that era. Chhath soup was also known as my mother. Still is. My
PSEB 10th Result: Punjab School Education Board's 10th class result was released, the result was 97.24 percent
The result of class 10th has been declared by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB). This time the pass percentage was 97.24 percent. Girls have been in the first three places. Aditi from Teja
China's silence on the situation in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, Beijing is withdrawing from giving loans?
For the past few years, the US has accused China of making developing countries more dependent on China through debt diplomacy. Over the past decade, China has become the world's largest government
IPL 2025: Who is Vipraj Nigam? When he came on the field, Delhi had lost six wickets, then he turned the tables by playing a stormy innings.
The fourth match of IPL 2025 was full of excitement. The target, which seemed impossible at one point, was achieved by Delhi Capitals with three balls to spare. Batting first, Lucknow Super Giants
Big News Apple's online store Started in India
The wait for the online store of Apple India in India ended at midnight on Tuesday and since that time the store has been getting tremendous support from the domestic customers. A large number of
'There is a conspiracy behind the Maha Kumbh incident', Ravi Shankar Prasad said in Lok Sabha - it smells like a conspiracy.
BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday referred to the stampede incident at Prayagraj Mahakumbh in Lok Sabha and said that the accident smells of conspiracy. After the investigation is completed, those
UP Board Result 2022: UP Board XII result will be released soon, know how to download
UP Board Result 2022: The result of the 12th class board examination conducted in the state by the Board of Secondary Education, Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP) can now be announced anytime. Now the eagerness
'Pegasus' investigation report: Possible revelations after 56 days can become a big issue in the election
The Uttar Pradesh elections, which are called the semi-finals of the power of the Center, are near. All political parties including BJP are busy preparing for the elections. This week the Supreme
Karnataka: Violence erupts in two communities in Kerur, Karnataka, holidays in schools and colleges; Section 144 enforced
Violence broke out after a clash between two groups in Kerur, Bagalkot, and Karnataka on Wednesday evening. Three people have been injured. Section 144 has been imposed till Friday to control the
