In the 42nd match of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, South Africa and Afghanistan played against each other in Ahmedabad. Ahead of the game, the Proteas had already qualified for the semis but lost to table-toppers, India by 243 runs. On the other hand, the Afghans agonizingly lost to Australia by three wickets after reducing them to 91/7. In this game, the Asian team won the toss and elected to bat first.
They had a great start with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran putting together 41 runs in eight overs. Keshav Maharaj was introduced and he immediately removed Gurbaz. In the next over, Gerald Coetzee removed Zadran and Maharaj took the wicket of skipper Hasmatullah Shahidi. At 45/3, the likes of Rahmat Shah and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai put together 49 runs for the fourth wicket.
David Miller took a tumbling catch of Shah and the team went from 94/4 to 116/6. Rashid Khan (14) put together 44 runs with Omarzai before being dismissed by Andile Phehlukwayo, who was playing his first game of the tournament. Noor Ahmed (26) and Omarzai (97*) helped the team reach a fighting total of 245. Coetzee took a four-wicket haul while Lungi Ngidi and Maharaj took two wickets each.
South Africa won their second game of the tournament batting second
Ahead of the chase, the Proteas needed to win by a comfortable margin going into the semis against Australia on October 16. During the league stage, the four-time semifinalists won only one game batting second, i.e. against Pakistan by one wicket. Meanwhile, during the chase, most of the batters got starts but failed to convert it into a big total.
Rassie van der Dussen stayed unbeaten at 76 off 95 balls including six fours and a six. On the other hand, Andile scored an unbeaten 39 off 37 balls to help the team chase the target by five wickets in 2.3 overs. The Afghans made the Proteas sweat while chasing but the cameo from the left-hander helped the team win the game easily in the end. With this, the Afghans will bow out of the tournament with three wins, their best performance in an ODI World Cup.
This is how Twitter reacted
Afghanistan are making South Africa sweat. They made Australia huff and puff too. Their improvement against teams that use to roll them over is a big development in world cricket.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 10, 2023
Every nation needs a gutsy young champion like Azmatullah Omarzai. Deserve the ? #AFGvsSA
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 10, 2023
So much to like about @AzmatOmarzay proper fast bowling all rounder! #AfgvsSA
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 10, 2023
Southafrica have practiced chasing quite well in this game.They were a bit worried after miller got out but that was convincing at the end . Afghanistan can hold thier head high , they have been amazing throughout this #CW2023 #SAvsAFG
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) November 10, 2023
South Africa made it a tense chase today, their struggles continue in chasing down targets. But Afghanistan’s journey in this World Cup has been nothing short of inspirational. They should be proud of themselves. ????#CWC23 #SAVAFG
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) November 10, 2023
Andile Phehlukwayo hits the winning runs and South Africa win by five wickets!! Hats off to Rassie van der Dussen for holding the innings together as South Africa chase down 245 with 15 balls to spare!! #CWC23 #AFGvSA pic.twitter.com/B93D06LmwZ
— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) November 10, 2023
well-paced run chase by SA to overhaul modest target. Afghanistan’s batting not as assertive as anticipated, got 35-40 runs fewer than what could have seriously troubled SA. But gr8 WC campaign by the Afghans. Intrepid, skilful, competitive. Team to watch out for going ahead
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) November 10, 2023
Hats off to @ACBofficials they deserve a heroes welcome back home for a magnificent show in the World Cup.They will be in the semis in the next World Cup in South Africa to be played in 2027.
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) November 10, 2023
