Birmingham, Jun 19 (UNI) Despite early blows, South Africa were able to put up a fighting total of 241 runs against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup at Edgbaston here on Wednesday.
Earlier, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and chose to bowl first.
The Kiwis got off to a good start with Trent Boult dismissing Quinton de Kock for just five runs on the second last ball of the second over.
Captain Faf du Plessis then joined Hashim Amla to stabilize the Proteas innings but was bowled out by Lockie Ferguson in the fourteenth over. He scored 23 runs off 35 balls.
Amla tried to build partnership with Aiden Markram and both were able to cross the 100 mark score in 26th over. Amla played some glorious shots and completed his half century with a four and kept the score board running.
But as it looked the Proteas were able to steady the innings, they got a major blow as Amla was bowled out by spinner Mitchell Santner in the 28th over. Amla with the help of four fours scored 55 runs off 83 balls.
The fourth wicket came in the form Aiden Markram as he ventured down the pitch to swat it away over the leg side, but ends up splicing it to sweeper where Colin Munro took the catch.
After that Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller held up the innings and drove the team past 200 mark. Miller was dismissed in the 45th over as he tried to play a short ball and ended up giving a catch to third man.
The brilliant knock by Van der Dussen (67 off 64) helped South Africans put up a defending total of 241 for six.
UNI JAL SHK2059