Afghanistan vs South Africa: Proteas record first victory of Cricket World Cup with nine-wicket hammering
Re-live the action below
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.South Africa finally got a World Cup win under their belt as they eased to a nine-wicket triumph over Afghanistan at Sophia Gardens on Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a semi-final berth.
Leg spinner Imran Tahir took 4-29 as he engineered an Afghani collapse after a 75-minute rain break as they were dismissed for 125. Chris Morris contributed with figures of 3-13 and Andile Phehlukwayo took two wickets for 18.
The South Africans then set about the slightly adjusted target of 127 from 48 overs in cautious fashion, reaching 131-1 with 19 overs to spare. Re-live the action below:
8.1 Australia 43-0 Aaron Finch 26 David Warner 15
A change of bowler for Sri Lanka. Udana, who's recovered from his earlier injury, takes over from Malinga.
9.0 Australia 44-0 Aaron Finch 26 David Warner 16
Just the one run from Udana's first over. Sri Lanka could be forgiven for being a little rusty early on here. Their last two games - against Pakistan and Bangladesh - were both rained off, so they haven't played as much cricket as today's opposition. At least the weather looks good today, though.
10.0 Australia 53-0 Aaron Finch 34 David Warner 17
Thisara Perera comes into the Sri Lanka attack and immediately gets hit around the ground by Finch. He hits a sumptuous drive through the covers for four and then goes squarer for another boundary. Australia's captain is looking good for a big score here.
10.5 Australia 56-0 Aaron Finch 35 David Warner 19
Australia managed 53 without loss in the first powerplay of the game. That's set them up nicely to go on and get a big score. For Sri Lanka, a breakthrough looks unlikely as things stand.
11.2 Australia 59-0 Aaron Finch 35 David Warner 20
Sri Lanka review!
Perera appeals for LBW after a delivery strikes Finch on the pads.
It's close. The ball was going on to hit the stumps, but the point of contact was just outside the line of off stump.
13.0 Australia 69-0 Aaron Finch 42 David Warner 22
Finch and Warner keep things ticking over, taking six off Udana's third over. Sri Lanka's decision to bowl first is looking increasingly ill-judged.
14.0 Australia 73-0 Aaron Finch 44 David Warner 24
The run rate is at 5.21 for Australia at the moment. They take four off this Perera over, content to nudge the ball around for singles. A score in excess of 350 looks a real possibility.
15.0 Australia 76-0 Aaron Finch 46 David Warner 25
Sri Lanka introduce some spin and it's a tidy first over from Dhananjaya de Silva. Warner, whose strike rate is unusually low - 25 off 45 balls - looks a little concerned by the change of bowler. But he's been watchful so far, as he was against Pakistan.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments