Cricket World Cup: South Africans bank a win, but odds are against them
CARDIFF, WALES— It may be too late — much too late — but South Africa finally kick-started its Cricket World Cup campaign with a nine-wicket win against Afghanistan under the DLS method at Sophia Gardens on Saturday.
Quinton de Kock hit 68, including eight fours, and Hashim Amla was 41 not out in South Africa’s 131-1 in 28.4 overs in reply to Afghanistan’s 125 all out in 34.1 overs.
The 40-year-old leg-spinner Imran Tahir did most of the damage for South Africa, finishing with 4-29 off seven overs, and captain Faf du Plessis was a happy man at the end.
“Very relieved. Feel a little bit lighter,” du Plessis said. “But I think all our cricket today was much better and much more competitive.”
Because of two rain disruptions, the match was reduced to 48 overs per team with South Africa chasing a new target of 127.
Andile Phehlukwayo (17 not out) sealed victory by smashing the only six of the game.
Amla was cautious but effective in his 83-ball knock which took him to within 24 of the 8,000 ODI (one-day international) runs milestone.
De Kock’s innings lasted 72 balls and he shared an opening partnership of 104 with Amla before he was caught by Mohammad Nabi off the bowling of Gulbadin Naib in the 23rd over. It was South Africa’s first century stand of the tournament.
After defeats to England, Bangladesh and India, and a washout against West Indies, this was a must-win game for four-time semifinalist South Africa.
But it still looks unlikely to advance to the final four. South Africa is level on three points in the bottom half of the table with West Indies, Bangladesh and Pakistan but has played one more game.
Afghanistan, which is last in the 10-team standings, next plays England in Manchester on Tuesday, and South Africa faces New Zealand in Birmingham on Wednesday.