South Africa has been a formidable force at the Cricket World Cup, securing six wins out of seven matches and almost guaranteeing their place in the semi-finals. Their success is largely attributed to their explosive batting lineup, led by Quinton de Kock, and their destructive middle-order, which has set record-breaking totals. Additionally, Marco Jansen’s pace bowling has often put the opposition on the back foot early in their chase.
South Africa’s Record-Breaking Performance
Here’s a look at the impressive records South Africa has shattered during their Cricket World Cup campaign:
Setting New Standards with 82 Sixes
South Africa now holds the record for the most sixes hit by a team in a single Men’s Cricket World Cup edition, with at least two to four matches still to go. Their comprehensive victory over New Zealand saw them smashing 15 sixes, taking their tournament total to 82 from seven matches. This surpasses the previous record of 76 set by England in 2019.
Powerplay Dominance with 12 Wickets
All-rounder Marco Jansen has been instrumental in South Africa’s fast starts, claiming 12 wickets during the Powerplay. His pace bowling has been a key weapon, ensuring South Africa takes control early in the opposition innings.
Four Individual Centuries by de Kock
Quinton de Kock has been in stellar form, scoring four centuries in the tournament, including a high score of 174 against Bangladesh. His performance equals the record for the most hundreds scored in a single World Cup edition.
Eight Team Centuries in the Tournament
South Africa has matched the record for the most centuries scored by a team in a Cricket World Cup, with de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen both scoring centuries against New Zealand. The team now has a chance to break this record in their remaining matches.
Two Double-Century Partnerships
De Kock and van der Dussen have formed a formidable partnership, combining for a 200-run stand against New Zealand. This is their second double-century partnership in the tournament, equalling the record for the most 200-plus run stands.
545 Runs by de Kock
De Kock’s impressive form has seen him score the most runs in a single World Cup edition, with a total of 545 runs. He has surpassed Jacques Kallis’s previous record of 485 runs for a South African batter in a World Cup.
Four 350-Plus Team Totals
South Africa has become the first team to score four 350-plus totals in a single World Cup, setting this record against Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. This takes their total to nine times in all World Cups, equalling the record set by Australia.