South Africa Secures Maiden Victory in 2019 Cricket World Cup
Bdbusinessdaily.com – On Saturday, South Africa achieved their first win in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, defeating Afghanistan by nine wickets in Cardiff. While the Proteas’ performance lacked brilliance, a consistent bowling effort led by Imran Tahir ensured the outcome was inevitable. The leg-spinner was named man-of-the-match, claiming four wickets for 29 runs in seven overs.
First Innings: Afghanistan’s Early Momentum
After winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat first. The Afghans responded with aggressive intent, forging a 39-run partnership for the opening wicket between Hazratullah Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran. Fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Beuron Hendricks struggled to contain their aggression. However, rain interrupted play, and following the resumption, Rabada dismissed Zazai early.
Despite the downpour, Zadran and Rahmat Shah steadied the innings, allowing the match to be reduced to 48 overs. A collapse began when Chris Morris bowled Rahmat Shah, prompting captain Faf du Plessis to bring in Andile Phehlukwayo. The wicketkeeper-batsman then took out Hashmatullah Shahidi, who managed only eight runs. Imran Tahir entered the 21st over and immediately removed Zadran with a masterclass googly, ending Afghanistan’s first innings at 125 all out in 34.1 overs.
Second Innings: South Africa’s Strategic Approach
In reply, Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock started cautiously, accumulating just 35 runs in the initial 10 overs. De Kock accelerated the scoring, helping South Africa reach 50 by the 13th over. The left-handed opener eventually reached his half-century after 58 balls. Amla, however, appeared to be battling for rhythm, scoring at a slower pace than anticipated.
The duo eventually reached their 100-run partnership in 22.3 overs, with Amla contributing 34 and de Kock hitting 64. The wicketkeeper-batsman was dismissed for 68, attempting to push the total further. Phehlukwayo, promoted up the order, concluded the innings with a six off the fourth ball of the 29th over, sealing the victory as he remained not out on 41 from 83 balls.
Points Table: South Africa Climb, Afghanistan Exit
The win provided crucial momentum for South Africa, though they could have improved their net run rate by accelerating the scoring. The team now stands at seventh place in the standings with three points from five games. To advance to the semifinals, they must secure victories against New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Australia while maintaining a strong net run rate.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, are the first team eliminated from the tournament, sitting at the bottom of the table with no points from four matches. Their defeat in Cardiff ends any hopes of progressing further in the competition.
