World Cup 2023 – SA vs AUS: De Kock hits 50 as SA makes stunning start

Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first against South Africa in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

This will be the tenth encounter in the ongoing multinational event. Tabraiz Shamsi has been included in the playing XI while, speedster Gerald Coetzee has been rested as the conditions look favorable for spinners.

Meanwhile, allrounder Marcus Stoinis and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis make it to Australia’s playing XI replacing allrounder Cameron Green and wicketkeeper Alex Carey respectively.

South African opener Quinton de Kock started the South African innings aggressively, striking boundaries within powerplay. On the other hand, skipper Temba Bavuma is playing in cautious style, surviving a couple of close calls. South Africa scored 108/1 after 20 overs.

Solid start by the Proteas

South Africa reached the 100-run mark without losing a wicket in 18 overs, making a solid start to their innings. Left-handed batter Quinton de Kock completed his half-century in just 51 deliveries.

Australia’s playing XI

David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (w), Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa’s playing XI

Quinton de Kock (w), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi