(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] South Africa dominated New Zealand in the 32nd match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Pune on Wednesday. With a 190-run victory over the Blackcaps, the Proteas not only secured the first place on the points table of the tournament but also broke England’s sixes record, which was set in the 2019 ODI World Cup.
The South African batters have set the ongoing World Cup ablaze with their ability to hit sixes. On Wednesday, the Temba Bavuma-led side hit 15 sixes against the Kiwis. What’s even more impressive is that South Africa established a new record for hitting the most maximums in a single World Cup edition.
South Africa have now etched their name in the annals of cricket history by setting a new world record for hitting the ball out of the park the most times in an ODI World Cup. They’ve not only surpassed the previous benchmark of 76 sixes set by England in 2019 but have raised the bar to an astounding 82 maximums.
Notably, while England achieved the 76 sixes record in 11 innings, the Proteas accomplished this feat in a mere seven matches, leaving them with at least two more games to further solidify their record in this tournament.
In the list of most sixes hit by a team in a World Cup edition, the West Indies and Australia come next. The West Indies smashed 68 sixes in the 2015 edition, while Australia hit 67 maximums in the 2007 edition.
Speaking of the match, with their hard-hitting, South Africa crossed the 350-mark once again, scoring 357 runs in 50 overs. Following their stunning display with the bat, South Africa then imposed stifling defense, limiting New Zealand to a mere 167 runs in just 35.3 overs. This commanding victory marked their sixth win in the tournament out of seven matches.