NZ vs SA Cricket Scorecard, 2nd Semi-Final

The second semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 between New Zealand (NZ) and South Africa (SA) was a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India, the match was a high-stakes battle between two cricketing giants, each vying for a spot in the final. The contest was a testament to the spirit of cricket, showcasing skill, determination, and moments of brilliance from both sides. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the match and its key moments.

Toss and Team Selection

South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that reflected their confidence in setting a competitive total. The Proteas fielded a strong batting lineup, with Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma opening the innings. New Zealand, on the other hand, relied on their balanced squad, with Trent Boult and Tim Southee leading the bowling attack and Kane Williamson anchoring the batting order.

South Africa’s Innings

South Africa got off to a steady start, with Quinton de Kock playing a typically aggressive innings. He smashed boundaries early on, putting pressure on the New Zealand bowlers. However, the Kiwis struck back with the wicket of Bavuma, who was caught behind off the bowling of Trent Boult. Rassie van der Dussen joined de Kock at the crease, and the duo built a solid partnership, taking South Africa to a comfortable position.

De Kock reached his half-century in style, but his innings was cut short by a brilliant delivery from Mitchell Santner, who trapped him LBW for 68. Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen then took charge, with Klaasen playing a particularly aggressive knock. His 55 off 44 balls included some powerful hitting, including three sixes. However, New Zealand’s bowlers fought back in the death overs, with Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee picking up crucial wickets. South Africa finished their innings at 281/7 in 50 overs, a competitive total but one that seemed slightly below par on a good batting surface.

New Zealand’s Chase

Chasing 282 for victory, New Zealand began cautiously, with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra opening the innings. The South African pacers, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, bowled with discipline, making it difficult for the Kiwi batsmen to score freely. Conway was the first to fall, caught behind off Rabada for 25. Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, then joined Ravindra at the crease, and the two began rebuilding the innings.

Williamson played a masterful knock, anchoring the chase with his trademark composure and precision. Ravindra, on the other hand, played a supporting role, rotating the strike and punishing the loose deliveries. The duo added 120 runs for the second wicket, putting New Zealand in a strong position. However, Ravindra’s dismissal for 60, caught at deep mid-wicket off Keshav Maharaj, brought South Africa back into the game.

Williamson continued to hold the innings together, reaching his 50 and then accelerating as the target came within reach. Daryl Mitchell provided valuable support, scoring a quickfire 40 off 35 balls. However, Williamson’s dismissal for 89, caught at long-on off Tabraiz Shamsi, left New Zealand in a precarious position. With 50 runs needed off the last 10 overs, the match hung in the balance.

The Final Over Drama

The game took a dramatic turn in the final overs, with New Zealand needing 15 runs off the last two overs. Glenn Phillips and James Neesham were at the crease, and the pressure was immense. Kagiso Rabada bowled a tight 49th over, conceding just 6 runs, leaving New Zealand with 9 runs to win off the final over.

Anrich Nortje was entrusted with the task of bowling the last over. Neesham smashed the first ball for a six, bringing the equation down to 3 runs off 5 balls. However, Nortje held his nerve, dismissing Neesham off the next ball and then bowling a series of dot balls. With 2 runs needed off the final delivery, Phillips managed to sneak a single, tying the scores and sending the match into a Super Over.

The Super Over

The Super Over was a nail-biting affair, with both teams giving it their all. South Africa batted first and scored 15 runs, thanks to a boundary by David Miller. New Zealand, in response, sent Williamson and Neesham to the crease. The duo managed to score 16 runs, with Neesham hitting a boundary off the final ball to seal a dramatic victory for the Kiwis.

Key Performances

Kane Williamson: The New Zealand captain was the star of the show, scoring a crucial 89 and guiding his team through a tense chase.

Quinton de Kock: His aggressive 68 set the tone for South Africa’s innings.

Heinrich Klaasen: His quickfire 55 provided the late impetus for South Africa.

Trent Boult and Tim Southee: The New Zealand pacers bowled with discipline, picking up key wickets at crucial moments.

Conclusion

The second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa was a classic encounter, filled with twists and turns. New Zealand’s resilience and composure under pressure ultimately saw them through, as they booked their place in the final. South Africa, despite their best efforts, fell short once again in a knockout game, adding to their history of heartbreaks in World Cup semi-finals. The match will be remembered as one of the greatest in World Cup history, a testament to the drama and excitement that cricket can deliver.