By: Msizi Mkhize

Dale Steyn’s instrumental bowling handed Proteas a narrow win over New Zealand in a nail-biting match on Monday.

When Steyn started his final over, he faced unenviable task to get five runs to secure a victory. The world’s best bowler did not disappoint as he claimed four for 17 in four overs as Proteas clinch their first win of the tournament.

South Africa went into Monday’s match looking to roar back from Sri Lanka defeat on Saturday. World ICC number one Sri Lanka, who won the toss and batted, recorded 165-7 runs on the board before restricting South Africa to 160-5.

New Zealand kicked off the campaign positively as they survive abysmal weather to beat England by 9 runs on the same day. New Zealand’s chase of 173 encountered problems as the play was halted just after just 5.2 overs. England began badly when Alex Hales was caught with just a run on the board.

The game was abandoned due to rain but New Zealand won through Duckworth Lewis method – a mathematical formulation designed to calculate the target score for the team batting second in a limited overs match interrupted.

A lot was expected from Australia after having a sterling run leading to the world cup but Pakistan emerged victorious on Sunday. Umar Akmal’s 94 off 54 deliveries was overshadowed by the all-rounder Glen Maxwell. Maxwell hit 74, six sixes and seven fours, to drive Pakistan to 16-run victory. Australians recorded 175 all out while Pakistan finished on 191/5.

JP Duminy of South Africa en route to his unbeaten 86. Pictures by icc-cricket.com.

India – who won the inaugural title in 2007 – stormed into a 7-wicket victory over West Indies. Indian spinners put on a sterling show to restrict defending champions West Indies to 129 for seven in 20 overs. India recorded 130 for three.