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As it happenedended

Afghanistan vs South Africa: Proteas record first victory of Cricket World Cup with nine-wicket hammering

Re-live the action below

Callum Rice-Coates
Saturday 15 June 2019 13:11 BST
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Cricket World Cup: Five batsmen to watch

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South Africa finally got a World Cup win under their belt as they eased to a nine-wicket triumph over Afghanistan at Sophia Gardens on Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a semi-final berth.

Leg spinner Imran Tahir took 4-29 as he engineered an Afghani collapse after a 75-minute rain break as they were dismissed for 125. Chris Morris contributed with figures of 3-13 and Andile Phehlukwayo took two wickets for 18.

The South Africans then set about the slightly adjusted target of 127 from 48 overs in cautious fashion, reaching 131-1 with 19 overs to spare. Re-live the action below:

44.2 Sri Lanka 241-9 ​Dhananjaya de Silva​ 10 Nuwan Pradeep 0

De Silva is knocking the ball around but largely refuses to take singles. Clearly he doesn't trust the batting of Pradeep. It doesn't make for particularly entertaining cricket.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 17:57

44.3 Sri Lanka 241-9 ​Dhananjaya de Silva​ 10 Nuwan Pradeep 0

De Silva clips the ball off his pad and straight to Behrendorff at short fine leg. It looks like he's taken the catch, but on review the third umpire confirms that it hit the ground first. Richardson is denied the final wicket - for now.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 18:00

45.0 Sri Lanka 246-9 ​Dhananjaya de Silva​ 15 Nuwan Pradeep 0

The ball immediately after the review loops just over the head of Behrendorff, and then de Silva lifts another shot into the air. It drops safely, though, and this final wicket partnership - which is really doing nothing but waste time - continues.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 18:02

Australia win by 87 runs

That's it! Pradeep swings at a quick Cummins delivery and edges it through to Carey. After what seems like an age, the final wicket falls. It's a disappointing end to what was an enjoyable game, but Australia will be satisfied with their work. They're looking very good for a place in the final four now.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 18:06

That was a comfortable victory for Australia in the end. They move top of the standings on eight points, with four wins from five games. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are fifth on four points.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 18:08

South Africa need 127 to win

The players are back out in Cardiff! South Africa should make short work of chasing down Afghanistan's meagre total, but they won't be taking anything for granted.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 18:11

1.0 South Africa 1-0 Hashim Amla​ 0 Quinton de Kock​ 0

South Africa get just a leg bye off the first over. Net run rate will be in the minds of the batsmen as they look to make up ground in the table after a dismal start to the tournament.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 18:16

2.0 South Africa 3-0 Hashim Amla​ 1 Quinton de Kock​ 1

Both players get off the mark in Hamid Hassan's first over. South Africa certainly haven't come out swinging, but there's plenty of time for them to up the run rate.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 18:19

2.2 South Africa 8-0 Hashim Amla​ 5 Quinton de Kock​ 2

A fortunate inside edge from Amla gives South Africa their first boundary of the innings. Aftab is bowling at a good line and length early on for Afghanistan.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 18:21

Here's how things stand after Australia's win over Sri Lanka. South Africa are in desperate need of a convincing victory here.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 18:22

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