Lucknow, Thursday - Quinton de Kock's exceptional batting performance secured South Africa's second successive victory in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, as they defeated Australia by an impressive margin of 134 runs at the BRSABVE Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

The left-handed maestro, who had previously dazzled with a century in South Africa's opening match against Sri Lanka, continued his remarkable form by scoring 109 runs off 106 balls, comprising 8 fours and 5 sixes, marking his 19th One-Day International (ODI) century. This extraordinary innings, set in motion by Rob Walter's side after being asked to bat first, enabled South Africa to post a total of 311 for seven.

The South African bowlers played their part as well, with Kagiso Rabada taking three crucial wickets for just 33 runs. Lungi Ngidi (1/18), Keshav Maharaj (2/30), and Tabraiz Shamsi (2/38) also displayed their bowling prowess, ultimately dismissing the Australian side for a mere 177 runs with almost ten overs to spare.

The victory proved to be an outstanding achievement for the Proteas, ranking among their finest performances in the history of the tournament. Meanwhile, Australia suffered their most substantial World Cup defeat, adding to South Africa's glory.

This win propelled South Africa to the top of the table, with their next game scheduled against the Netherlands in Dharamsala on Tuesday.

In the match against Australia, South Africa asserted their dominance from the start. Quinton de Kock and captain Temba Bavuma (35) set a strong foundation with a 108-run opening partnership. Rassie van der Dussen (26) then joined forces with de Kock, contributing 50 runs for the next wicket, while also achieving the distinction of becoming the second-fastest batter to reach 2000 international runs, second only to the legendary Hashim Amla.

Although de Kock was dismissed just before the 200-run mark, South Africa managed to set a formidable target of 312 for victory. Aiden Markram, the T20 International captain, played a significant role with his 56 runs off 44 balls, supported by Heinrich Klaasen (29) and Marco Jansen (26).

The South African bowlers made a remarkable improvement over their performance in the previous game against Sri Lanka, consistently taking wickets. Marco Jansen (2/54) removed Mitchell Marsh (7) in the sixth over, while the lethal David Warner (13) fell in the seventh over.

Key batsman Steve Smith (19) was the first victim of Kagiso Rabada, leaving Australia at 50 for three, and Josh Inglis (5) was bowled out by a brilliant delivery from Rabada.

Glenn Maxwell (3) fell to a catch and bowled by Keshav Maharaj, and Marcus Stoinis (5) was caught behind off Rabada, leaving Australia reeling at 70 for six.

Despite this dire situation, Marnus Labuschagne (46) and Mitchell Starc (27) managed to add some respectability to the Australian scoreboard. Tabraiz Shamsi eventually cleaned up the tail, resulting in Australia being bowled out in just 40.5 overs.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]