In their concluding group match of the World Cup, South Africa overcame a robust challenge from Afghanistan to secure a five-wicket victory, thereby reinforcing their position as the second-placed team in the standings.
With 14 points accrued from nine matches, South Africa holds a slender lead of two points over Australia, who are set to confront Bangladesh on Saturday. Both South African and Australian teams have secured their berths in the semi-finals.
Afghanistan concluded their most successful World Cup campaign to date, achieving four victories and earning a spot in the Champions Trophy.
Electing to bat first, Afghanistan amassed 244 runs in 50 overs, thanks largely to Azmatullah Omarzai’s unbeaten 97-run innings, embellished with seven boundaries and three sixes. Gerald Coetzee emerged as the standout bowler for South Africa, claiming four wickets for 44 runs.
Quinton de Kock, the South African opener, laid the foundation for the chase with a swift 41 runs, ascending to the pinnacle of the tournament’s run-scoring leaderboard with a total of 591 runs.
Rassie van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 76, anchoring the Proteas to victory. His partnership of 65 runs with Andile Phehlukwayo was pivotal, with Phehlukwayo clinching the win by dispatching a six-over deep mid-wicket in the 48th over.
