Tight New Zealand bowling restricts South Africa

South Africa needing to win their encounter against New Zealand in order to keep their hopes of advancing to the next round of matches, batted first.

Aware too, of the importance of preserving their wickets, the South Africans were content on getting the singles and twos, in an effort to put a decent total on the board. But, the South Africans soon found it difficult to get the boundaries, thanks to some tight bowling from the New Zealanders.

In the end, the South Africans managed to score 34 runs from their eight overs with Steve Elworthy getting 19 and Allan Donald 14 with one extra. Bowling for New Zealand, Daniel Vettori ended with figures of none for 20 from his four overs, while Jacob Oram ended with none for 13 also from his four overs.

New Zealand already with one win under their belts, their reply to the South Africans' total in a business-like manner. Jacob Oram in particular was in an attacking mood.

At the end of eight overs, the New Zealanders scored 73 runs, losing one wicket in the process winning by 39 runs. Jacob Oram top-scored for New Zealand with 48 and received good support from Daniel Vettori who scored 21. There were four extras in the New Zealand innings.

New Zealand now join the West Indies as two confirmed teams for the semi finals.

Scores: South Africa 34 (Elworthy 19, Donald 14 with one Extra) New Zealand 73 (Vettori 21, Oram 48 with Extras 4) Bowling for South Africa Elworthy 1 for 35, Donald none for 47.