ICC Men’s World Cup 2023: De Kock, Dussen hit centuries in crushing victory over New Zealand

South Africa is on the verge of securing a spot in the World Cup semi-finals following their massive 190-run victory over New Zealand on Wednesday in Pune.

Victory returns South Africa to the top of the table while New Zealand drops to fourth after a third straight defeat, according to a BBC report.

Rassie van der Dussen delivered an outstanding performance with a score of 133 runs, while Quinton de Kock achieved his record fourth century of the tournament during a partnership that yielded 200 runs, leading the Proteas to a total of 357 runs losing only four wickets.

Stand-in New Zealand skipper Tom Latham opted to bowl after winning the toss, allowing South Africa to play to their strengths and put a big total on the board.

Temba Bavuma's side took the same approach as they have throughout this tournament, starting steadily before accelerating rapidly late in the innings.

De Kock went past 500 runs for the tournament in the process, becoming the first South Africa batter to reach that milestone at a World Cup before he fell for 114 off 116 balls. Van der Dussen reached his century off 101 balls and then kicked on brilliantly.

"I'm feeling really good lately. It's nice that everything is coming together at an important time for us,” said de Kock.

New Zealand's task was made harder by a hamstring injury to seamer Matt Henry, who will have a scan on Thursday to assess the damage, allowing David Miller to smash four sixes in his 53 off 30 against a depleted attack.

Marco Jansen, who claimed 3-31, and his fellow fast bowlers did the initial damage to reduce New Zealand to 67-4 in reply before left-arm spinner Maharaj hammered home South Africa's dominance as the Kiwis collapsed to 110-8. New Zealand's only real resistance came through Glenn Phillips' defiant half-century when the game was already lost.

South Africa's place in the top four is now all but assured, with the Proteas batting and bowling units both impressing once again.

However, the injury-hit Black Caps find themselves in a battle to progress, just two points ahead of Pakistan and Afghanistan, with crucial matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka to come.

"If we'd had those partnerships and got through those first 10 overs we'd have had a chance, with those small boundaries and a good surface. I think 330 or 340 would have been chaseable,” said the Kiwi skipper Tom Latham.

"We're faced with a bit of adversity when it comes to injuries, we'll wait and see how they come out,” he added.