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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:

16.4 Australia 80-1

WICKET! David Warner (26) b de Silva

Warner didn't look entirely comfortable facing de Silva and it's the spinner who takes the first wicket. Australia's opener makes room to cut but misses the ball. The bails are dislodged and Warner walks.

He'll be disappointed having worked hard to get himself set. For Sri Lanka, breaking the opening partnership was crucial.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 11:40

17.2 Australia 81-1 Aaron Finch 50 Usman Khawaja​ 0

Finch guides the ball to third man and brings up an impressive half century. The captain has managed it in good time, too, keeping the run rate up while Warner was content to wait.

Finch missed out on 100 against Pakistan, so that will be the aim today.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 11:47

19.0 Australia 87-1 Aaron Finch 53 Usman Khawaja​ 3

Another restrictive over from de Silva, whose introduction has changed the direction of this game somewhat. Australia were dominant in the early stages but they've since surrendered the impetus. Sri Lanka are bowling better and runs are harder to come by.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 11:51

20.0 Australia 93-1 Aaron Finch 54 Usman Khawaja​ 8

Pradeep comes back into the attack and quickly draws a thick outside edge from Khawaja. It races away for four, but Sri Lanka won't mind that. Things are looking much better for the bowling team after 20 overs than they were after 10.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 11:54

20.4 Australia 94-1 Aaron Finch 55 Usman Khawaja​ 8

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 11:55

21.1 Australia 95-1 Aaron Finch 55 Usman Khawaja​ 9

Some tentative appeals from Sri Lanka as Pradeep beats the outside edge of Khawaja, who looks slightly nervy. There's no appeal, and replays show there was no touch on the bat. Sri Lanka are on top at the moment, though.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 11:58

22.0 Australia 97-1 Aaron Finch 56 Usman Khawaja​ 10

Australia have managed just 44 runs off the last 12 overs, testament to the improvement in Sri Lanka's bowling.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 12:01

22.4 Australia 100-2

WICKET! Khawaja (10) b de Silva c Udana

Just as Australia bring up 100, Sri Lanka take their second wicket! Khawaja tries a sweep and hits it well, but guides it straight into the welcoming hands of Udana. De Silva has made a real difference for Sri Lanka, who are very much in this game now.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 12:03

24.0 Australia 108-2 Aaron Finch 66 Steve Smith 1

Pradeep, after an excellent spell of bowling, is brought back down to earth as Finch pulls a short ball for six. That's a welcome boundary for Australia, who need another strong partnership between Finch and Smith.

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 12:10

25.3 Australia 113-2 Aaron Finch 69 Steve Smith 3

Callum Rice-Coates15 June 2019 12:13

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