CWC 2019: SA vs AFG Review – South Africa thump Afghanistan with nine-wicket win
After three consecutive losses and a washed-out game, South Africa finally tasted a win in the 2019 World Cup. Facing the lowest ranked team, Afghanistan, the Proteas cruised to a dominating nine-wicket victory. The rain did interrupt the game twice, but the weather eventually allowed a full game. Bowling first, the Proteas uprooted Afghanistan for just 125 runs and then adopted a cautious approach in the chase. They completed the target in 29th over with a massive six from Andile Phehlukwayo’s bat.
Afghanistan start confidently
Surprisingly, Afghans have managed decent starts while batting first. The pair of Hazratullah Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran started confidently against the South African attack. Zazai batting in his own fashion smashed three boundaries and took the score to 39/0 in 8.1 overs. Rabada trapped him with the short ball ploy and broke the momentum. Zadran held one end up until rain arrived. At that stage, Afghanistan was 69/2 in 20 overs.
The collapse
After resumption, Afghanistan stumbled uncontrollably. From 69/2, they slipped to 77/7. Phehlukwayo provided the first breakthrough by bowling a wicket-maiden that included the dismissal of Hashmatullah Shahidi. Imran Tahir then tricked Zadran and Asghar Afghan with googlies in his first over of the day. Phehlukwayo followed this up by getting Mohammad Nabi bowled. Tahir sent back captain Gulbadin Naib to put Afghanistan in a spot of bother.
Rashid stars with the bat
At one stage, even a total of 100 runs looked too far for the Afghans. However, Rashid Khan had other plans. The legspinner batted with aggression and collected runs in boundaries. He was supported by wicketkeeper Ikram Ali Khil who played an obdurate knock of 9 (33). Rashid’s 25-ball 35 studded with six boundaries came to an end with a stunning boundary catch by Rassie van der Dussen. Afghanistan folded up for only 125, their lowest total in this World Cup. Tahir finished with 4/29 while Chris Morris picked up 3/13.
South African openers go slow and steady
Three losses in the competition weighed heavily on the South African team and it was evident in their chase. Rather than taking the attack to the opposition, the openers batted with caution. Hashim Amla searched for his form while Quinton de Kock (68 from 72 balls) shelved his aggressive strokes. However, they ensured an upper hand and secured a comprehensive nine-wicket win with 116 balls remaining. Imran Tahir was named man of the match for his superb bowling spell.
