Ahmedabad, India

South Africa ended Afghanistan’s dream run at World Cup 2023 with a five-wicket win in their final league match in Ahmedabad on Friday (Nov 10). The second-best team in the tournament completed a successful run-chase at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium to end up with 14 points from nine matches. Afghanistan got eliminated with eight points from their all-contested games.

Advertisment

With one eye on an improbable semis chance, Afghanistan asked South Africa to chase after winning the toss. Following a cautious start to the innings, Afghanistan lost three wickets quickly, with openers and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi back in the hut. 

Youngster Azmatullah Omarzai kept his scoring rate going with handy stands during the middle overs. Though Protean bowlers remained on the top of their games, Omarzai stood his ground, helping his team bat through the fifty overs.

Gerald Coetzee starred for South Africa, picking four for 44 in ten overs, while right-handed Omarzai remained stranded on 97 as Afghanistan got all out on 244.

Advertisment

ALSO READ: ICC suspends Sri Lanka Cricket with immediate effect over excessive government interference

Quinton de Kock surpassed Rachin Ravindra as the tournament’s top-scorer during his 47-ball 41-run stay at the crease, while Captain Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram contributed with healthy 20s. 

However, another man-in-form - Rassie van der Dussen, stood out for the chasing team with his stupendous approach throughout the inning. 

Advertisment

Rashid Khan provided Afghanistan with two big wickets, including Henrich Klassen’s, cleaning his off stump on just ten. David Miller showcased his skill, hitting a four and a six during this short stay at the crease, but got out caught & bowled off Mohammad Nabi on 24.

As the chase got tensed in the end, Dussen and Andile Phehlukwayo kept their cool and went about their business calmly. Phehlukwayo’s brave cameo of 39* off 37, including three sixes, was enough for South Africa to cross the line with five wickets.