South Africa secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in their Cricket World Cup clash at the Oval on Saturday.
Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis starred for the Proteas with the bat, scoring 68 and 50 respectively, as they chased down Afghanistan’s total of 125 with ease.
Imran Tahir was the star of the show for South Africa with the ball, taking four wickets for 29 runs.
South Africa’s Dominant Display
South Africa bowled Afghanistan out for just 125 in the 29th over. Tahir was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets, while Chris Morris and Andile Phehlukwayo took two wickets each.
South Africa’s chase was never in doubt. De Kock and du Plessis put on a 100-run partnership for the first wicket to set the platform for victory.
De Kock was dismissed for 68 in the 20th over, but du Plessis continued until he was out for 50 in the 23rd over.
Amla and David Miller then finished off the chase with ease, guiding South Africa to victory in the 25th over.
South Africa’s Dominant Batting Display
South Africa got off to a solid start after being put in to bat, with Hashim Amla (36) and de Kock adding 56 runs for the first wicket. Amla was dismissed by Rashid Khan (1/39) in the 13th over, but de Kock and du Plessis continued to score at a brisk pace.
De Kock was particularly aggressive in his innings, hitting 10 fours and 3 sixes. He reached his 50 off just 41 balls, and his century partnership with du Plessis came off just 92 balls.
Afghanistan’s Bowling Struggles
Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to contain South Africa’s batsmen. Khan was the only bowler to take a wicket, and the rest of the bowlers went wicketless.
Conclusion:
South Africa’s victory over Afghanistan was a comfortable one. They were dominant with both bat and ball, and they never looked in danger of losing.
This victory puts South Africa in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup. They are currently in second place in the group table, with two matches remaining.