South Africa continues to reign supreme in the 2023 World Cup, setting numerous records when batting first and former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has lauded the Proteas for their fearless and aggressive approach in establishing challenging targets for their opponents.
On October 24 in Mumbai, South Africa made a bold decision to bat first against Bangladesh, amassing an astonishing 383 runs—a clear message that they meant business. Aakash Chopra, analyzing the game on his YouTube channel, couldn't help but marvel at the Proteas' ability to elevate their game when setting a target.
South Africa vs Bangladesh result: Highlights, scorecard and man of the match
Aakash Chopra praises South Africa
“This is a team. They activate the monster mode when they bat first,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel. “They got stuck once. That was in the run chase against the Netherlands but this team is different while batting first.”
One of the standout performances came from Quinton de Kock, who proved to be a nightmare for Bangladeshi bowlers despite an early wobble. With 174 runs off 140 balls, de Kock left spectators and pundits in awe, becoming the tournament's highest run-scorer with 407 runs.
South Africa's dominance with the bat is extraordinary, with four 380-plus totals in ODIs in 2023, equaling their previous record set in 2015. Their eight wins by margins of 100-plus runs this year underscore their exceptional prowess when batting first.
Additionally, South Africa has won nine out of ten matches when setting targets in 2023, solidifying their reputation as a formidable team. They've also achieved seven consecutive 300-plus totals while batting first, joining the elite ranks of teams like Australia in 2007 and England in 2019.
Quinton de Kock's remarkable performances have stirred speculation about his decision to retire from the ODI format post the World Cup, leaving fans and experts pondering the timing of his departure.
🇿🇦 THE PROTEAS SEAL VICTORY OVER BANGLADESH
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 24, 2023
A dominant display from the Protea batters to set up a huge chase for the Tigers led by Quinton de Kock & Heinrich Klaasen 🤝🏏
The bowlers also demonstrated a disciplined line & length to bowl them out 🇧🇩#CWC23 #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/3cploSWrN9
“He has scored three centuries and has already said that his ODI cricket is over after this,” Chopra said of de Kock. “Now you won't ask when will you go and instead ask why are you going. This is the kind of tournament he is having.”
In the 2023 World Cup, South Africa's relentless approach to setting targets, coupled with their record-breaking achievements, firmly establishes them as a dominant force. Led by Quinton de Kock, the Proteas are a standout team, setting new benchmarks with their ability to unleash the “monster mode” when batting first in the world of cricket.
