Australia’s colossal failure in the 10th fixture of the ICC World Cup 2023 came at the hands of South Africa in Lucknow today. This is South Africa’s second 100-plus margin win in this year’s World Cup.
With this, the five-times champions have lost their second successive match in the tournament. Earlier, India had defeated Australia by 6 wickets on October 8. After this massive victory, the South African team is standing tall at the top of the points table while Australia sits at the ninth position, just ahead of Afghanistan. This has become Australia’s biggest loss in the World Cup ever.
The Australian team won the toss and elected first, after which the South Africans cruised on to post 311 runs on the scoreboard. South Africa opener Quinton de Kock scored a 90-ball century, his second one in succession in the ongoing tournament. Aiden Markram also scored 56 runs off 44 balls, putting up a fine performance. Australia, on the other hand, displayed a shoddy performance. While the bowlers failed to take quick wickets, Australian fielders dropped several crucial catches throughout the first innings.
When it was their turn to bat, Australia lost 6 wickets while it was still under 100 runs on the scoreboard. They were bowled out for 177 in 40.5 overs with Kagiso Rabada picking three wickets for 33 runs. This is the first time Australia has lost their first two World Cup matches since 1992.
Post the match, Australian skipper Pat Cummins said the team has a few things it needs to tidy up.