In the 10th match of the ODI World Cup 2023, five-time champion Australia faced South Africa at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Stadium in Lucknow. In the high-voltage game, the Australian team failed to display their trademark dominant performance on the field.
While bowling, the first Australian bowlers were outplayed by the South African opening pair. Consequently, the Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma pair added 108 for the first wicket. However, what’s most surprising and unsurprising is the decline seen in the team’s fielding performance. In the last two matches, Australia has had the poorest successful catch ratio among other participating nations. They grabbed just 54% of catches in these games and had a poor outing.
In the game against South Africa, the team dropped seven catches in the outfield. In the death overs, Australian fielders dropped three back-to-back catches to help South Africa cross the 300-run mark. With continuous poor performances, Australia failed to restrict Proteas for a decent total, as they posted a competitive total of 311/7 in 50 overs.
Quinton de Kock scored a record-breaking century
Starting from where he left in the last game, South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock smacked another century. In the ongoing tournament, it is his second ton in two matches. In his inning, De Kock scored 109 runs off 106 balls with the help of eight fours and five sixes. He was well supported by Aiden Markram, who scored a brilliant half-century. Markram, in his inning, scored 56 runs off 44 balls with the help of seven fours and a six.
It’s worth noting that with this century, De Kock levelled the record for the second-most centuries for South Africa in the World Cup. He is just three tons behind MR. 360 AB de Villiers, who has scored five centuries in his entire career. However, this is De Kock’s last ODI World Cup, and he will be looking to make the most of it.
Here is how fans react to Australia’s poor fencing:
Bodied pakistan and their lumber 1 captain ??? pic.twitter.com/JF2rCXIDxH
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) October 12, 2023
Kya karenge iska ,,,, gazab fans hai yaaar ???
— Md Zishan Alam (@izishan7) October 12, 2023
They are having busy day today.???
— Tushar N. (@Tussh_aar) October 12, 2023
What did you think of Australia's fielding efforts today? pic.twitter.com/UblsihgjHA
— Cameron Ponsonby (@cameronponsonby) October 12, 2023
How embarrassing!
Instead of making Australians at home proud these imbeciles are just taking it easy instead of practising batting in the nets & fielding practise. Sack the lot of them except Labby, Starc & Kawaja. Send rest home. Next plane out of Chennai bound for
Botany Bay! pic.twitter.com/zsXUHzCaQz— Lord Reagan John Murphy of Australia (Lord Reags) (@LordReagsOfOz) October 12, 2023
Yes, #Australia's fielding & now batting have been below par. But the bowling conditions for #SouthAfrica fast bowlers far more favorable in Lucknow now as against the daytime, I feel.
— Akhilesh Upadhyay (@akhileshU) October 12, 2023
Ricky ponting after Australia poor fielding and batting collapses #AUSvsSA #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/aLOe53ljVW
— akash (@kingvk18_) October 12, 2023
