At last Afghanistan’s dream run meets the end in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. South Africa defeated Afghanistan By 5 Wickets. Afghanistan now out of the world cup. They needed a massive win to stay in the race of semifinals. But the victory of South Africa means Pakistan and New Zealand are the two left with a chance of reaching the final four.
Today Afghanistan batted first. Azmatullah Omarzai scored unbeaten 97. Afghanistan score was 244 all out in 50 overs. The South African bowlers dominated today. Gerald Coetzee grabbed 4 wickets for 44 runs. Lungi Ngidi (2/69) and spinner Keshav Maharaj (2/25) took two wickets each.
Chasing 245 runs South Africa opening batters Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma gave the team a pleasant start. Temba Bavuma scored 23, De Kock scored 41. Van der Dussen scored an unbeaten 76 off 95 balls to guide the team to the victory. The Proteas completed the task in 47.3 overs and concurred a 5 wickets win. Van der Dussen awarded as the player of the match.
South Africa already qualified for the semi-finals. With this win they occupied the second spot in points table behind India, with 7 victory and 14 points. Afghanistan now ruled out of the race. New Zealand have the advantage after their win against Sri Lanka with 10 points from 9 matches. They have better Net Run Rate (NRR) in comparison to Pakistan. Pakistan have 8 points from 8 matches. To qualify for the semies they need to win their last league match by 287 runs if they bat first. If they chase, Pakistan will have to win with at least 284 balls to spare. Accomplishing these figures looking quite impossible. So, probably New Zealand will compete with India for final as the fourth qualified team.