SA vs AFG Review: Van der Dussen steers SA’s chase, while Afghanistan complete their most successful campaign
In the 42nd match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, South Africa clashed with Afghanistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Afghanistan and ended their group stage on a high note.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Afghanistan got off to a solid start, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran consistently finding the boundaries. However, their partnership was disrupted by Gerald Coetzee, who dismissed Zadran.
Gurbaz’s stay was also short-lived, leaving Afghanistan in a precarious position. Unfortunately, their middle-order could not come to the rescue, and the scoring rate slowed down due to some tight bowling by South Africa. Afghanistan kept losing wickets, finding themselves in a challenging situation at 116/6.
Azmatullah, who had earlier put together a crucial 49-run partnership with Rahmat, went on to form two more 40+ run stands with Rashid and Noor. While he narrowly missed his century by just three runs, Azmatullah ensured that Afghanistan had a competitive total to defend, posting 244 on the board. Among South African bowlers, Maharaj was miserly once again, and Coetzee claimed a four-wicket haul.
In their chase, South Africa faced a tough challenge as they lost the well-set Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma quickly. Rassie van der Dussen provided some stability while wickets fell at the other end. Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller all fell for scores below 30. In the end, Andile Phehlukwayo played a skillful innings, finishing the game with a flourish, hitting a six, a four, and another six to guide South Africa comfortably past the target.
Top Performers of the Match
Azmatullah Omarzai (97 of 107)
While the wickets tumbled on one side Azmatullah held his nerve and crafted as absolute gem of an innings. His innings accounted for 7 fours and 3 sixes. He missed his century with just 3 runs despite of having faced the last ball of the innings.
Chris Woakes (4/44, 10 overs)
Gerald Coetzee needed this sort of spell going into the semi-finals. He bowled with utmost agility and broke the back of the Afghan middle order. He claimed the wickets of top two batters of Afghan side Zadran and Ikram Alikhil.
What next?
Going ahead, South Africa will play against Australia on November 16 in the second Semi-Final, while Afghanistan would be disappointed on losing semi-final berth and happy with Champions Trophy 2025 qualification.
