Cricket World Cup: South Africa thrash Australia by 134 runs

South Africa outclassed five-time World Cup champion Australia by 134 runs in the ICC World Cup 2023 on Thursday.

The Proteas got early wickets and never allowed the Australian side to settle down to register their second consecutive victory of the showpiece tournament in Lucknow.

Asked to bat first, South Africa rode on a fine century by opener Quinton de Kock and a 44-ball 56 from Aiden Markram to post 311 for seven in the stipulated 50 overs.


In reply, the Australians were bowled out for 177 in 40.5 overs with Kagiso Rabada picking three wickets for 33 runs.

Earlier, De Kock, who had made an 84-ball 100 against Sri Lanka in New Delhi, smashed a 106-ball 109 at the Ekana Stadium, a venue he considers his backyard, courtesy the left-hander's IPL stint with the Lucknow Supergiants.

With this victory, South Africa have climbed to the top of the points table.

Brief scores:

South Africa: 311 for 7 in 50 overs (Quinton de Kock 109, Aiden Markram 56; Glenn Maxwell 2 for 34; Mitchell Starc 2 for 53)

Australia: 177 all out in 40.5 overs (Marnus Labuschagne 46; Kagiso Rabada 3/33)