TOWNSVILLE : South Africa overwhelmed New Zealand by eight wickets to clinch the third spot at the ICC Under-19 World Cup at the Endeavour Park here on Saturday.

South Africa and New Zealand both had earlier lost their respective semi-finals to Australia and India who meet in the final at the Tony Ireland Stadium here on Sunday.

Batting first after winning the toss in the third/fourth place play-off tie, New Zealand were bowled out for just 90 in 36.5 overs. South Africa chased down the target to reach 94-2 in just 14.4 with opener Quinton de Kock striking 143-ball 50 that included nine boundaries.

Earlier, left-arm paceman Jan Frylinck, playing his second game of the tournament, gave South Africa a flying start with wickets of opener Ben Horne and Will Young off successive deliveries.

Joe Carter (20) and Robert O’Donnell (13) retrieved the situation partially by sharing the highest partnership of the innings — 28. Paceman Calvin Savage (3-14 in four overs) broke the stubborn stand, dismissing O’Donnell in the 11th over.

Leg-spinner David Rhoda spun a web around the New Zealand tail, picking up four for 26 off 9.5 overs.

Savage was later named the Man-of-the-Match.

South Africa captain Chad Bowes was thrilled with the performance of his team.

“It was a clinical performance by the boys today,” Bowes said after the win. “It is never easy coming back after a defeat, especially in a semi-final, but the boys showed good character and a fighting spirit to come back with a strong performance.”

Bowes was particularly pleased with the chase.

“It is never easy chasing a small total,” said Bowes. “It could have gone either way. We just went out there with a positive mindset. We put away any bad balls. Quinton de Kock got us off to a flyer and that helped our momentum.”

Bowes said his team-mates will go back home with their heads held high after an impressive tournament in which they only lost once.

“I am very proud of the boys. We did hurt a lot after the loss in the semi-final. We can now go back home with a lot of pride.”—Agencies