Afghanistan vs South Africa: Proteas record first victory of Cricket World Cup with nine-wicket hammering
Re-live the action below
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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:
14.0 South Africa 57-0 Hashim Amla 19 Quinton de Kock 37
South Africa take a few more singles off Gulbadin's latest over. They're going to win, and very easily, but it's hardly a batting performance that suggests they're capable of taking the game to better opposition. Amla remains on 19 from 42 balls, a painfully slow rate of scoring.
16.0 South Africa 63-0 Hashim Amla 19 Quinton de Kock 43
Afghanistan bring off-spinner Nabi into the attack and de Kock takes just the one run from the over. Wickets are what Afghanistan need desperately, though.
17.0 South Africa 73-0 Hashim Amla 19 Quinton de Kock 53
De Kock brings up his half century with a couple of powerful boundaries off Rashid's fifth over. He's kept things ticking over nicely for South Africa, while Amla has remained mostly at a standstill. He needs to find his touch again.
18.0 South Africa 80-0 Hashim Amla 25 Quinton de Kock 54
Better from Amla, who plays a nice reverse sweep and collects a few runs from the over. South Africa edge ever closer to the target.
19.0 South Africa 86-0 Hashim Amla 26 Quinton de Kock 59
De Kock hits a looping pull shot out towards Rahmat Shah, who appears not to be able to see the flight of the ball. He misjudges the bounce and allows it to run through for four. Poor fielding.
20.0 South Africa 91-0 Hashim Amla 30 Quinton de Kock 60
Twenty overs in and South Africa, thankfully, have upped the tempo. Amla is growing in confidence after a frustratingly slow start. He sweeps the ball cleverly into the gap for four and the Proteas now need just 36 more runs to win.
21.0 South Africa 95-0 Hashim Amla 32 Quinton de Kock 63
South Africa, after a break for drinks, add another four runs from a well-bowled Gulbadin over. They've clearly got no intention of ending this match with a flurry of big hits.
22.0 South Africa 99-0 Hashim Amla 33 Quinton de Kock 64
Another over, another four runs. Twenty-eight more needed from 26 overs. It's not exactly tense.
22.3 South Africa 100-0 Hashim Amla 34 Quinton de Kock 64
Amla knocks a shot to the off side and South Africa bring up 100. A measured, patient partnership between the two openers.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments