South Africa thumped Afghanistan by 5 wickets on Friday (10th November) at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. Four fer from Gerald Coetzee and fifty from Rassie Van Der Dussen helped South Africa cruise pass Afghanistan's challenge.

A tight chase but South Africa held their nerves on to chase down the total.

Earlier, Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Coming out to bat, they lost their gun opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz earlier as the opener was sent packing on 25 off 22 balls. Ibrahim Zadran scored 15 off 30 balls and then got out. No one from the top stood on the occasion.

Only Azmatullah Omarzai came and helped Afghanistan holding one end and take the game deep. He was fighting lone and didn’t get support from anyone. He ended his innings on 97* off just 107 deliveries and helped Afghanistan post a competitive 244 on the board. Gerald Coetzee got 4 wickets, while Lungi Ngidi had 2 wickete.

In reply, South Africa started off to a flier with the opening stand raced them to 64 runs. Mujeeb broke the partnership and took the wicket of Temba Bavuma. Rassie Van Der Dussen scored a very sensible 76* off 95 balls which helped them chase down the total. In the passage of play, South Africa got helps from Andile Phehlukwayo as well. His short but effective 39* from just 37 balls helped South Africa chase down the total before even 2 overs.

Afghanistan ended their dream world cup with 4 wins after beating the likes of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Netherlands and the defending champions England and South Africa ended at 3rd with qualifying for the semifinal. South Africa will face off Australia on 16th November, Eden Gardens for the semifinal 2 of ICC men's Cricket world cup 2023.