SA, Afghanistan hunt for maiden win
With no wins against their names so far, both South Africa and Afghanistan will be desperate to get off the mark in Match 21 of the ICC Cricket World Cup in Cardiff, Wales today.
In lead up to this edition of the World Cup, South Africa – for once – weren’t touted as one of the top contenders owing largely to an inexperienced batting line-up.
Yet, not many would have expected them to remain winless four matches into the tournament.
The semi-finalists of the 2015 edition have so far been outclassed by England, Bangladesh and India, while their game against the West Indies was washed out. If they are to retain any slender hopes of now making the semi-final, they will need to make a statement against Afghanistan.
The Proteas will be keen to see their batsmen fire. They’ve faced struggles in almost every game, including the match against the West Indies, when they were at 29 for two before play was called off.
Hashim Amla’s poor run continued as he was dismissed for six by a Sheldon Cottrell short ball.
Along with Francois du Plessis and Quinton de Kock, Amla forms the core of the batting unit and it is prudent that he irons his issues out when he faces Afghanistan.
With three straight defeats, Afghanistan are at the bottom of the table and with Mohammad Shahzad sent home due to fitness concerns, their batting looks frail.
While their bowling has made huge advances, the batting department has remained a problem area.
As much as they will want to reverse things around, they will know that the task will be a daunting one against a South African attack featuring Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir.
Despite their struggles in the tournament, South Africa go into this match as favourites, but Afghanistan will know that they have an opportunity to show that they belong with a win against a team undergoing a particularly troubled patch.