In their final World Cup group game, South Africa defeated Afghanistan by five wickets to solidify their second place in the standings, with 14 points from nine games. This puts them two points ahead of Australia, who will be playing against Bangladesh on Saturday. Both South Africa and Australia have already secured spots in the semi-finals.
Afghanistan completed their best ever World Cup campaign with four wins and secured a place in the Champions Trophy.
Afghanistan chose to bat first, posting 244 runs in 50 overs, led by Azmatullah Omarzai’s unbeaten 97, which included seven boundaries and three sixes. Gerald Coetzee was the star bowler for South Africa, with figures of 4-44.
Quinton de Kock, the South African opener, made a significant contribution to the chase with a breezy 41, taking him to the top of the tournament’s scoring charts with 591 runs.
Rassie van der Dussen, with an unbeaten 76, then guided the Proteas to victory, forming a crucial 65-run partnership with Andile Phehlukwayo, who sealed the win with a massive six in the 48th over.
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis)
