De Kock hits century as South Africa deepen's Australia pain at the Cricket world cup (1 Viewer)

South Africa delivered a resounding 134-run victory against Australia, securing their second win in the World Cup. Quinton de Kock continued his stunning form, notching his second consecutive century, while Aiden Markram contributed a vital half-century. The South African bowlers then dismantled the five-time champions in a match that unfolded on Thursday.

Australia, chasing a target of 312, got off to a disastrous start, losing their first five wickets with only 65 runs on the board. They found themselves helpless against the exceptional bowling of Kagiso Rabada (who took three wickets for 33 runs), Marco Jansen (with two for 54), and Keshav Maharaj (who claimed two for 30). Eventually, Australia succumbed, managing just 177 runs in 40.5 overs. Marnus Labuschagne's 46 was the only standout performance in the top order.

South Africa's triumph was primarily built upon the remarkable performances of De Kock, who compiled a brilliant 109 runs, and Markram, who contributed 56, helping the Proteas post a total of 311 for seven in their allotted 50 overs. Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, chose to field first, but South Africa made a cautious start, benefiting from some luck early on. De Kock, coming off his impressive performance against Sri Lanka, continued to shine, smashing eight fours and five sixes during his 106-ball innings.

While South Africa's captain, Temba Bavuma, survived two close calls en route to his 35 runs, Australia struggled to hold on to difficult chances. Glenn Maxwell (who took two wickets for 34 runs) eventually dismissed Bavuma, but De Kock's aggressive batting kept the Proteas in command. De Kock sent Josh Hazlewood's deliveries over the boundary twice in the 23rd over.

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa managed to dismiss Rassie van der Dussen for 26, but De Kock maintained his assault, reaching his 19th ODI century with a massive six against Cummins, shortly after the pace bowler had dropped Markram when he had scored just one run.

Maxwell bowled De Kock, with the ball sneaking through the left-hander's bat as he attempted a reverse-pull, and Cummins removed Markram after a brisk innings, putting the brakes on South Africa's scoring.

Cummins had opportunities to claim two more wickets, but Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Starc dropped chances on a somewhat sloppy day in the field. Nevertheless, a double strike by Starc (who took two for 53) in the final over prevented South Africa from further increasing their total. Ultimately, the target of 311 proved to be more than sufficient for South Africa.

After Australia’s second defeat of the tournament, Cummins told Sky Sports:

“I thought Quinton in particular batted really well, we couldn’t get a breakthrough, but from where they were, we were pretty happy (with 311). On that wicket we felt it was chaseable. It looked like hard work out there at night. Their bowlers bowled really well. It looked like it zipped around perhaps more than during the day but [we were] well off the mark. If we want to be challenging for this tournament you’ve got to try to find a way in all conditions. I think not much needs to be said tonight, everyone’s hurting. We’ve got a few days, the next game’s here as well, so we’ll regroup and try and make amends.”