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South Africa vs Afghanistan Live Commentary, Match 21, ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019, June 15, 2019

AFG 125/10 (34.1)
South Africa beat Afghanistan by 9 wickets (D/L method)
SA 131/1 (28.4)
Match over
Afghanistan Inning South Africa Inning
0.0 : Hello and a warm welcome. Yes! A warm welcome. If you are in England right now, that is what you would be hoping and wishing for. Some sort of conditions where cricket can be played. And we have those. It is a beautiful sunny afternoon in Cardiff and hopefully, there will not be any rain, even though there is some forecast later in the evening. Fingers crossed.
So - Weather description done. Who are playing today? Australia and Sri Lanka are already engrossed in a tussle in London while here in Cardiff, South Africa meet Afghanistan. It is a must-win game for each, given the scenarios in the points table with a loss almost certain to rule the team out of the competition. This is the first ever ODI clash between South Africa and Afghanistan. How will it be?
TOSS - Time for the spin of the coin. Faf du Plessis is the home captain for this game and Heads is the call from Gulbadin Naib but it is a Tail. SOUTH AFRICA WILL CHASE.
South African skipper, Faf du Plessis, says that it has been raining a lot and the pitch has been under covers, hence the reason. Admits that the Proteas have hardly played any cricket for the last one week, hence the team is unchanged. Rues the fact that they have not been able to spend much time in the nets, but is hopeful of the team meetings coming into effect. Stresses that it is important for the guys to enjoy the game.
Afghanistan captain, Gulbadin Naib, says that honestly, he too, would have liked to bowl first and feels it looks a good surface for the batters. Like Faf, he too, says that the last one week was spent in rain and understands that there will be some juice in the pitch given that it has been under covers. Informs that there is one change, with Najibullah Zadran making way for Asghar Afghan. Adds that Asghar is a very senior player and his experience will help the Afghans.
PITCH REPORT - Shaun Pollock doing the pitch report says that due to sunshine in the last two days, there won't be too much of an effect in the pitch. Observes some grass covering which he feels, should make the ball move around a bit. Reckons that there will be difficulty for the batsmen.
Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Hazrat Zazai, Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan (IN FOR NAJIBULLAH ZADRAN), Gulbadin Naib(c), Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Ali Khil(wk), Rashid Khan, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan. South Africa (UNCHANGED Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock(wk), Hashim Amla, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis(c), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Beuran Hendricks.
The anthems are done and dusted and we are ready for the game to begin. The players are out onto the field. Hazrat Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran will open for the Afghans. Kagiso Rabada will start off against Zazai. Here we go.
0.1 : K Rabada to H Zazai, Beaten first up! On a length around middle, Zazai looks to defend but the ball comes in, squares him into two and goes over the stumps!
0.2 : K Rabada to H Zazai, Full on middle, flicked towards mid-wicket. Rabada slips in his followthrough and gets up gingerly.
0.3 : K Rabada to H Zazai, Outside off, pushed straight to point.
0.4 : K Rabada to H Zazai, Landed on a fuller length again, pushed away from his body towards point.
0.5 : K Rabada to H Zazai, Around middle and leg, Hazrat looks to tuck it to the leg side but misses and is hit on the pads.
0.6 : K Rabada to H Zazai, FOUR! A poor ball to end the over. A full toss, on middle, Zazai flicks it through square leg. Imran Tahir races to his right from third man and dives but in vain.
Beuran Hendricks to bowl with the second new ball.
1.1 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
1.2 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, Around middle and off, watchfully blocked out.
1.3 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, Outside off, Noor Ali looks to defend but the ball zips away and beats the outside edge.
1.4 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, Outside off, left alone.
1.5 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, Outside off, on a length, angling away, let through.
1.6 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, A maiden over to begin for Beuran. A short ball around middle and leg, Noor Ali arches his back and sways away from the line of the bouncer.
2.1 : K Rabada to H Zazai, Flicks this away for a couple.
2.2 : K Rabada to H Zazai, BEATEN! Excellent delivery from Kagiso Rabada. Good length delivery on off, Zazai looks to flick but misses it due to the away movement on this one.
2.3 : K Rabada to H Zazai, On a length on middle, Zazai flicks it towards square leg where Rassie van der Dussen tries to stop it but misfields. The batsmen don't run.
2.4 : K Rabada to H Zazai, Short delivery on middle, Zazai pulls it over mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
2.5 : K Rabada to H Zazai, Short of a length delivery on middle, Zazai pulls it towards fine leg for a run.
2.6 : K Rabada to Ali Zadran, Outside off, Zadran offers no shot to this one.
3.1 : B Hendricks to H Zazai, Full and down the leg side, flicked through square leg for a single.
3.2 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, Another jaffa. On a length, outside off, Noor Ali looks to defend but the ball seams away and beats the outside edge!
3.3 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, Landed outside off, played straight to point.
3.4 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, FOUR! GORGEOUS! Possibly the best shot of the afternoon so far. Overpitched, outside off, Noor Ali reaches out and drives it through the covers! Yawning gap over there.
3.5 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, On middle and leg, a tad short, helped through square leg for a single.
3.6 : B Hendricks to H Zazai, WIDE. He will have to re-bowl that. A short ball, but misdirected, down the leg side. Zazai lets it go.
B Hendricks to H Zazai, A length ball, on middle, flicked through square leg for a run.
4.1 : K Rabada to H Zazai, Dropped short, pulled towards fine leg for a single.
4.2 : K Rabada to Ali Zadran, On a good length on off, Zadran looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Is that a run out? Quinton de Kock has tried to do an MS Dhoni but perhaps Zadran has made it in. Referred upstairs. Replays are showing that the bat has got in.
4.3 : K Rabada to Ali Zadran, SAFE AS A HOUSE. Good work from de Kock but the throw was a bit wide. On a length on off, Zadran plays it towards point. They take a single but Noor Ali wants the second. The fielder at point throws it at the keeper's end where Quinton de Kock collects it and hits the stumps at his end. It was a wild throw from the fielder. It is referred upstairs. The replays show he was well in and it needed a direct hit from the fielder. The batsmen get two runs.
4.4 : K Rabada to Ali Zadran, On a good length on off, Zadran defends it off the back foot.
4.5 : K Rabada to Ali Zadran, On a length outside off, Noor Ali looks to push but the ball goes off the outside edge towards third man. A single taken.
4.6 : K Rabada to H Zazai, DROPPED, FOUR! Tough chance but normally South Africa pull these off. A miscue off a pull results in a top edge but Morris running to his left from mid-wicket cannot get there and palms it down. Short of a length delivery, Zazai looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes towards mid-wicket where two fielders run for the ball. Chris Morris runs to his left from short mid-wicket, tries to stretch out his hands but the ball bursts through his fingers. It rolls away to the
5.1 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, FOUR! GLORIOUS! Consecutive boundaries for Afghanistan. Half volley outside off, Noor Ali leans and drives it through the covers for a boundary!
5.2 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
5.3 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, On a good length around middle, watchfully defended from the crease.
5.4 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, Fuller in length this time, pushed towards point.
5.5 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, FOUR! Another boundary and the heavens have opened up! A length ball, down the leg side, Noor Ali helps it past the keeper to the fine leg fence.
UPDATE - 1.55 PM LOCAL (1255 GMT) - Not a downpour by any means but a delay for sure. The umbrellas has gone up in the stands and the umpires feel that the conditions are too wet to continue. The hover cover comes on and it is the only one in place. Does not seem like a heavy shower. Oh wait. Scratch that. The rain seems to have gotten heavier and the groundstaff are bringing in more covers.
UPDATE - 2.15 PM LOCAL (1315 GMT) - The rain has stopped and the covers are coming off. Just the hover cover in place and the Super Sopper is doing its stuff. Play is scheduled to begin at 2.20 pm local (1320 GMT).
Wow. The sun is shining in all its glory. Overcast conditions have been replaced by bright and sunny ones. We are about to resume. Meanwhile, in London, Australia have finished with 334/7 against Sri Lanka after being put in to bat. Looks to be a good chase on the cards.
5.6 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, Full on middle, driven back to the bowler.
6.1 : K Rabada to H Zazai, On a length around middle, helped through square leg for a single.
6.2 : K Rabada to Ali Zadran, Outside off, punched to the off side.
6.3 : K Rabada to Ali Zadran, A short ball now, Noor Ali keeps it down nicely.
6.4 : K Rabada to Ali Zadran, Outside off, NAZ looks to push but misses.
6.5 : K Rabada to Ali Zadran, That is a snorter. On a short length, outside off, Zadran looks to feel for it but the ball rises steeply and beats the outside edge.
6.6 : K Rabada to Ali Zadran, Outside off, quietly left alone this time.
7.1 : B Hendricks to H Zazai, Huge shout for LBW! Turned down! On a length around middle, Zazai looks to flick but falls over in his attempt to do so. Fuller in length, around middle, Zazai looks to flick but misses. Is hit on the pads and the Proteas go up in an appeal but the umpire stays put. Hawk Eye shows the ball to be going down leg.
7.2 : B Hendricks to H Zazai, Outside off, very full, Hazrat looks to drive but the ball swings away past the outside edge.
7.3 : B Hendricks to H Zazai, Almost guided to the keeper! Short and outside off, HZ backs away, looks to guide it towards third man but ends up playing it too fine. So fine that the bat-face is towards the keeper! The ball goes off the toe end of the bat and lands in front of de Kock.
7.4 : B Hendricks to H Zazai, FOUR! Oh yes! This time Zazai connects. A length ball, outside off, Hazrat backs away and smashes it wide of mid off for a boundary.
7.5 : B Hendricks to H Zazai, On middle and leg, helped to the leg side for a single.
7.6 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, A bouncer around middle, Noor Ali sways away. 'A weird leave!' utters my colleague Sairaj here. Will tell you why he felt that. He was initially looking to duck, Noor Ali that is, then wanted to sway and in the end does a bit of both. Hence awkward.
8.1 : K Rabada to H Zazai, A length ball around middle, angling in, Zazai looks to tuck it to the leg side but misses and is hit on the pads.
8.2 : K Rabada to H Zazai, OUT! There goes the first wicket. The short ball does the trick. Tring tring! Any surprise? Asian side batting, bowl short. That is what Rabada does. Bangs it in middle, Zazai looks to pull but is hurried in by the fast-paced delivery. Miscues it, gets a top edge and Rassie van der Dussen runs in nicely from deep mid-wicket, slides ahead and takes it nicely. So Zazai's T20ish innings as always, comes to an end soon.
Rahmat Shah walks in at number 3, replacing Zazai.
8.3 : K Rabada to R Shah, Around middle and off, watchfully defended.
8.4 : K Rabada to R Shah, Outside off, left alone.
8.5 : K Rabada to R Shah, Around off and middle, well blocked out.
8.6 : K Rabada to R Shah, Outside off, played towards point.
9.1 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, A bouncer on middle, Noor Ali ducks.
9.2 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, Full on middle, Noor Ali pushes it uppishly but the ball does not carry back to the bowler.
9.3 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, Around off, pushed to the off side.
9.4 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, Landed outside off, played towards point.
9.5 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, FOUR! In the gap! Short and outside off, Noor Ali punches it in the gap between cover and point and fetches a boundary!
9.6 : B Hendricks to Ali Zadran, Uppish, but safe! Just a ball before, the man at point was a few paces in. But he was pushed back. Full and outside off, Noor Ali pushes it uppishly but the ball did not carry to point. 43/1 in Powerplay 1, whose has it been? South Africa's for not giving away too many runs or Afghanistan's, for not losing more than a wicket?
POWERPLAY 2 time. 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. We have the first bowling change as well. Andile Phehlukwayo running in.
10.1 : A Phehlukwayo to R Shah, Around off, watchfully defended.
10.2 : A Phehlukwayo to R Shah, Outside off, left alone.
10.3 : A Phehlukwayo to R Shah, Full and outside off, driven straight to point.
10.4 : A Phehlukwayo to R Shah, DIRECT HIT WOULD HAVE HAD RAHMAT. On middle, Rahmat tucks it towards mid-wicket and sets off for a quick single. The fielder collects and has a quick shy at the bowler's end but misses. The direct hit would have consumed Rahmat but luckily for him, it hits on a green patch and bounces over!
Is that a catch? Faf du Plessis is claiming it. The umpires get together and take it upstairs.
10.5 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, NOT OUT. Just short. Full and outside off, Noor Ali looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge. Towards second slip where Faf du Plessis collects it by going to his right. He claims the catch and the umpires refer it upstairs but replays show that the ball has bounced.
10.6 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, The batsman has punched that ball through the off side.
Chris Morris comes on now.
11.1 : C Morris to R Shah, Landed outside off, Shah looks to drive but the ball beats the outside edge. De Kock collects it at chest height.
11.2 : C Morris to R Shah, Outside off, left alone.
11.3 : C Morris to R Shah, A short ball outside off, cuts back in, RS looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads and the ball goes towards the slip cordon.
11.4 : C Morris to R Shah, Full on middle, pushed through mid on.
11.5 : C Morris to R Shah, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
11.6 : C Morris to R Shah, EDGED, BUT SHORT! Super bowling from Morris. He lands it on a length outside off, Rahmat pushes at it but the ball seams away, bounces extra, takes the outside edge and goes behind. De Kock dives to his right but cannot get there. Hashim Amla stops it at first slip to his left on the bounce. A maiden from Morris.
12.1 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, Landed outside off, left alone.
12.2 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, Pushes this towards point.
12.3 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
12.4 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, On a length outside off, played straight to point.
12.5 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, Landed outside off, steered towards third man for a single.
12.6 : A Phehlukwayo to R Shah, Landed outside off, let through.
13.1 : C Morris to Ali Zadran, On a length outside off, Noor Ali comes forward and defends it to the off side.
13.2 : C Morris to Ali Zadran, Landed outside off, pushed to the off side.
13.3 : C Morris to Ali Zadran, Almost a return catch! Full and outside off, Noor Ali drives it a tad loosely straight back. Morris sticks out his left hand but the ball is far from him. Imran Tahir starts to run from mid on but Beuran Hendricks chases it down from mid off. Gets to the ball and at the last moment, flicks it back to Tahir. Three runs taken.
13.4 : C Morris to R Shah, On middle and leg, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
13.5 : C Morris to R Shah, Lovely ball. Back of a length outside off, Rahmat looks to push but the ball kicks off after pitching and beats the outside edge.
13.6 : C Morris to R Shah, FOUR! Well played! A short ball, outside off, Rahmat pulls it over mid-wicket and gets a boundary for himself in the vacant real estate. 50 UP FOR AFGHANISTAN. Time for a move on now.
14.1 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, On middle and leg, flicked away for a single.
14.2 : A Phehlukwayo to R Shah, Landed outside off, left alone.
14.3 : A Phehlukwayo to R Shah, Full on middle, pushed towards mid on.
14.4 : A Phehlukwayo to R Shah, Landed outside off, played uppishly behind point for a single.
14.5 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, A bouncer on middle, ducked under.
14.6 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, Another edge which falls safely! Looks like luck is not on the Protean side at the moment. Outside off, Zadran pushes at it but the ball goes off the outside edge and goes in between the slips behind. Two runs taken.
Adjudged LBW! Rahmat has been given out to Morris and he has taken the review, after a chat with his partner. Looks to be hitting leg, clipping at best. Shah might have to go back here. Yes. Hawk Eye shows it to be clipping leg stump. Umpire's call it is. Some solace for Afghanistan given that they do not lose their review.
15.1 : C Morris to R Shah, OUT! LBW! The call stays as it is. Big wicket for South Africa. Rahmat Shah was one man who could have stayed for long. Very full, on middle, Shah looked to flick but missed and was hit on the pads. A confident Morris went on appealing and after thing for a while, umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge raised his finger. Rahmat had a chat with Noor Ali and then signalled for the review. No inside edge but Hawk Eye shows the ball to be clipping leg stump, so it is umpire's call. D
0.0 : Hashmatullah Shahidi walks in at number 4, replacing Rahmat.
15.2 : C Morris to H Shahidi, Outside off, on a length, Shahidi plays inside the line and gets beaten.
15.3 : C Morris to H Shahidi, Outside off, played straight to point.
15.4 : C Morris to H Shahidi, Landed around off, solidly blocked out.
15.5 : C Morris to H Shahidi, Outside off, Shahidi looks to guide it towards third man but then decides to leave it. Is late and the ball goes off the toe end past the slips towards third man. A single taken.
15.6 : C Morris to Ali Zadran, Another edge, this time for a couple.
16.1 : A Phehlukwayo to H Shahidi, Landed outside off, played straight to point.
16.2 : A Phehlukwayo to H Shahidi, Landed outside off, defended from the crease.
16.3 : A Phehlukwayo to H Shahidi, FOUR! Short and outside off, Shahidi cuts it through point and the ball races away!
16.4 : A Phehlukwayo to H Shahidi, More runs. Fuller in length this time, Hashmatullah leans and drives it between cover and mid off for a couple.
16.5 : A Phehlukwayo to H Shahidi, A bouncer on middle, Shahidi ducks.
16.6 : A Phehlukwayo to H Shahidi, Very full outside off, almost a yorker, jammed out towards point.
DRINKS BREAK. South Africa are keeping the control over the Afghans. They are not getting the wickets regularly but the boundaries are not coming regularly either. They are making the batsmen work for their runs which is visible from the scorecard, with the run rate hovering under 4. Luck has not been their ally but they have not let that affect them.
17.1 : C Morris to Ali Zadran, Full and outside off, pushed towards cover for an easy single. The stand moves to 10 from 12 balls.
17.2 : C Morris to H Shahidi, Well outside off, left alone.
17.3 : C Morris to H Shahidi, Landed outside off, a touch wide, let through.
17.4 : C Morris to H Shahidi, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for nothing. Straight to the fielder.
17.5 : C Morris to H Shahidi, A short ball now, Shahidi lets it through to the keeper.
17.6 : C Morris to H Shahidi, Well wide outside off, left alone.
18.1 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, Full and outside off, driven sweetly but straight to mid off.
0.0 : Noor Ali has been adjudged LBW now! He is happy to go but at the last moment, takes the review, after a discussion with his partner. Looks dead. Or maybe not. Ultra Edge detects a spike when the ball passes the bat!
18.2 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, NOT OUT! Ultra Edge detects a spike when the ball passes the bat! How did Noor Ali miss that? Wow. Well done, Hashmatullah because you should be credited for this review. Full and around off, coming in, Zadran looked to flick but missed and was hit on the pads. Phehlukwayo started to celebrate as soon as the ball hit the pads and the umpire agreed too. Noor Ali was ready to walk off but Hashmatullah called him back and had a chat. They went for the review and U
18.3 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, A bouncer around off, Noor Ali lets that sail over.
18.4 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, Full and around off, pushed towards mid off.
18.5 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Zadran, Outside off, edged through third man for a single.
18.6 : A Phehlukwayo to H Shahidi, Outside off, let through once more.
19.1 : C Morris to Ali Zadran, On a good length outside off, coming in a long way, Noor Ali looks to defend but the ball cuts back in a long way and beats the inside edge.
19.2 : C Morris to Ali Zadran, Outside off, quietly left alone this time.
19.3 : C Morris to Ali Zadran, Down the leg side, tucked towards fine leg for a single.
19.4 : C Morris to H Shahidi, Outside off, on a length, left alone.
19.5 : C Morris to H Shahidi, On middle and leg, extra bounce, Shahidi rises with the bounce and helps it through square leg for a single.
19.6 : C Morris to Ali Zadran, Outside off, another example of steep bounce, a play and a miss.
UPDATE - 3.30 pm local (1430 GMT) - Frustrating. We have another delay. It has started to drizzle once more and the umpires are taking the players off. Does not look like a long delay as it is just a drizzle. But heavy enough to keep the players off. A couple of more covers coming on, along with the hover cover.
UPDATE - 4 pm local (1500 GMT) - Good news. The rain has stopped and bright sunshine has enveloped the ground. The Super Soppers have been doing their work as usual but at least now, they get some sunshine for help. Should not be far from a resumption.
UPDATE - 4.25 pm local (1525 GMT) - Yay! We are about to resume! The ground is nicely bathed in sunshine and hopefully, that is the last of the rain delays. 2 overs have been cut off from each innings, so this will now be a 48-over-a-side contest.
20.1 : A Phehlukwayo to H Shahidi, Back of a length ball outside off, Shahidi leaves it alone.
20.2 : A Phehlukwayo to H Shahidi, Fuller now on middle and leg, Shahidi blocks it.
20.3 : A Phehlukwayo to H Shahidi, Good length ball on top of off, Shahidi taps it towards backward point. The man at point dives to right and stops it.
20.4 : A Phehlukwayo to H Shahidi, OUT! Caught! The halt in play has brought a lapse in concentration here. Phehlukwayo bowls it fuller on off, Shahidi looks to drive it but the ball nips away after pitching. The ball finds the outside edge of Shahidi's bat and goes straight to South Africa skipper, Faf du Plessis at first slip. He takes a regulation catch there.
The new man in is Asghar Afghan.
20.5 : A Phehlukwayo to A Afghan, Full on the stumps, Afghan taps it back to the bowler.
20.6 : A Phehlukwayo to A Afghan, Another wicket maiden. The length is the same, it is outside off. Afghan strokes it to the man at point.
Spin time now. Here is Imran Tahir.
21.1 : I Tahir to Ali Zadran, OUT! BOWLED! Foxed by the googly! Tahir has set off on a marathon run. On his very first ball. South Africa in total control now. How many times have we seen this? Tahir bowling a wrong 'un on his very first or second ball? Here is another example. This is pitched outside off and Noor Ali plays a lazy cover drive, without moving his feet much. He is clearly not expecting a googly and misses the ball by quite a distance. The ball spins in, goes between bat and pad and
0.0 : Mohammad Nabi walks in now, at number 6, replacing Noor Ali.
21.2 : I Tahir to M Nabi, Full and around middle, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
21.3 : I Tahir to A Afghan, Full and around off, watchfully defended. This was a googly too.
21.4 : I Tahir to A Afghan, Around off, well kept out.
21.5 : I Tahir to A Afghan, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Second wicket in the over and Afghanistan are in tatters now. This is the leg spinner. Afghan looks to work it to the leg side from outside off but this one spins away. Was he expecting the googly? This one turns away, takes the leading edge and pops back for a simple return catch. Tahir runs to his left, takes the catch and then keeps on running, to complete his 10000 metre marathon.
Ikram Ali Khil walks in at number 7, replacing Afghan.
21.6 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, Short and outside off, cut straight to point.
22.1 : A Phehlukwayo to M Nabi, OUT! BOWLED! Dragged on! Bad, worse, now worst. The rain break has completely turned the tables here. A length ball outside off, Nabi looks to punch it through the off side but the ball is too close to him and cramps Nabi for room. A bottom edge is induced and the Zing bails light up again. 39/0 has become 70/6 in no time. Well, technically lot of time but in terms of match situation, not much.
0.0 : Gulbadin Naib comes out now. Afghanistan need a captain's knock.
22.2 : A Phehlukwayo to G Naib, Outside off, punched through the covers for a couple.
22.3 : A Phehlukwayo to G Naib, Full and around off, watchfully blocked out.
22.4 : A Phehlukwayo to G Naib, A bouncer on middle, Naib ducks under it.
22.5 : A Phehlukwayo to G Naib, On middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
22.6 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Khil, The batsman does well to leave that bouncer.
23.1 : I Tahir to G Naib, Full and around off, gripping a little, watchfully defended.
23.2 : I Tahir to G Naib, This one skids off the pitch, from a short length, Naib is hurried into his flick towards mid-wicket.
23.3 : I Tahir to G Naib, Short and outside off, cut straight to point.
23.4 : I Tahir to G Naib, Landed outside off, punched through the covers for a single.
23.5 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, Around off, watchfully blocked out.
23.6 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, Full on middle, pushed through mid on for a run.
24.1 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Khil, On a length around off, seaming away, Ali Khil plays inside the line and is beaten.
24.2 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Khil, Similar ball, same shot, same result. Another play and a miss.
24.3 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Khil, Outside off, this time it is left alone quietly.
24.4 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Khil, Back of a length this time, steered towards third man for a single.
24.5 : A Phehlukwayo to G Naib, Full and just outside off, worked through mid-wicket for a run.
24.6 : A Phehlukwayo to Ali Khil, Around off, solidly defended.
25.1 : I Tahir to G Naib, Around off, solidly defended.
25.2 : I Tahir to G Naib, OUT! Caught! Another one goes down and Tahir has his third. 3/3 in his third over with the score reading 77/7. Not the greatest of deliveries but a fantastic catch to get those numbers. A googly, short in length, Naib picks it and looks to pull. But he does not quite time it cleanly and hence, cannot get the elevation. The ball goes over mid-wicket but Aiden Markram at short mid-wicket times his leap to perfection and takes a stinger! Tahir runs to his right and this tim
Rashid Khan walks in at number 9, replacing Naib.
25.3 : I Tahir to R Khan, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. One run added to the total.
25.4 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
25.5 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, The googly, around off, well kept out.
25.6 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, Another wrong 'un, outside off, pushed towards point.
Kagiso Rabada is back on. 5-1-20-1 so far.Faf du Plessis wants to finish things off here.
26.1 : K Rabada to R Khan, On middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
26.2 : K Rabada to Ali Khil, The ball takes the outside edge goes towards the slip region. The batsmen have run through for a single.
26.3 : K Rabada to R Khan, FOUR! HANDSOME! Overpitched outside off, Rashid leans and drives it past the bowler. No mid off and that is a boundary.
26.4 : K Rabada to R Khan, FOUR! A bit fortuitous this time. Outside off, on a length, Khan looks to punch it through the covers but the ball comes back in, takes the inside edge and goes past the diving de Kock's left side to the fine leg fence.
26.5 : K Rabada to R Khan, Outside off, punched straight to cover this time.
26.6 : K Rabada to R Khan, Outside off, coming in with the angle, RK looks to tuck it to the leg side but misses and is hit on the pads.
27.1 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, Full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
27.2 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, Works it through the leg side for a single.
27.3 : I Tahir to R Khan, FOUR LEG BYES! That missed everything. Or maybe not. Full and outside off, Rashid looks to sweep but the ball hits the pads and goes between the keeper and first slip to the third man fence. Faf du Plessis at first slip dives to his left but in vain.
27.4 : I Tahir to R Khan, Full and around off, driven straight back to the bowler.
27.5 : I Tahir to R Khan, Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a run.
27.6 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, On middle, pushed through mid on for one more.
28.1 : K Rabada to Ali Khil, Landed outside off, left alone.
28.2 : K Rabada to Ali Khil, On a good length outside off, steered towards third man for a single.
28.3 : K Rabada to R Khan, WIDE. A wild bouncer and down the leg side. Left alone.
K Rabada to R Khan, WIDE. This is down the leg side again, another extra ball.
K Rabada to R Khan, A short ball, Rashid looks to pull but misses.
28.4 : K Rabada to R Khan, Full and in line of the stumps, Khan backs a long way to the leg side and smashes it straight to mid off.
28.5 : K Rabada to R Khan, FOUR! Up and over! Full and outside off, Rashid Khan lofts it over mid off for a boundary! 100 UP FOR AFGHANISTAN! How many more can they add?
28.6 : K Rabada to R Khan, The batsman goes for the pull but misses it completely.
Our thoughts - Afghanistan cricket is in a turmoil. Change in leadership right before the mega tournament followed by questionable selections and in the playing XI along with Mohammad Shahzad's controversial exit from the World Cup suggests something is wrong at the moment.
29.1 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
29.2 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, Outside off, driven straight back.
29.3 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, Outside off, punched to the off side.
29.4 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, On middle and leg, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
29.5 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, Landed outside off, dabbed to third man for a single.
29.6 : I Tahir to R Khan, Full and around off, swept away for a run.
30.1 : K Rabada to R Khan, Around off, solidly defended.
30.2 : K Rabada to R Khan, A short ball, around off, Rashid looks to pull but gets a thick top edge onto his shoulder. Grimaces in pain while taking the single.
30.3 : K Rabada to Ali Khil, Outside off, left alone.
30.4 : K Rabada to Ali Khil, Outside off, short in length, Ikram looks to punch but gets a bottom edge to the off side.
30.5 : K Rabada to Ali Khil, Landed outside off, Ikram looks to play inside the line and is beaten.
30.6 : K Rabada to Ali Khil, Similar ball, same reaction. Another play and a miss.
31.1 : I Tahir to R Khan, Tossed up outside off, Rashid comes down the track, takes it on the full and drives it to long on for a single.
31.2 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, Full outside off, more flight, Ikram steps out of his crease and lofts it over the bowler. Faf du Plessis gets across to his left from long off and keeps the batsmen to a run. The stand is now worth 30 from 36 balls.
31.3 : I Tahir to R Khan, Full and outside off, punched through the covers for a couple. Rashid moves to 20 from 18 balls.
31.4 : I Tahir to R Khan, A tad short, punched through the covers for a run.
31.5 : I Tahir to Ali Khil, A full toss, on middle, swatted over mid-wicket for one more.
31.6 : I Tahir to R Khan, Full and outside off, Rashid looks to sweep but gets it off the bottom half towards square leg. There is a mix-up with Ali Khil halfway down the track. The fielder takes his aim from square leg and has a shy at the bowler's end but hits Ikram on the way.
Chris Morris returns. 5-1-13-1 so far.
32.1 : C Morris to Ali Khil, Around off, solidly defended.
32.2 : C Morris to Ali Khil, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
32.3 : C Morris to Ali Khil, Full on middle, pushed through mid on.
32.4 : C Morris to Ali Khil, OUT! Edged and taken! The stubborn partnership has been broken at last. Morris has his second and Afghanistan are heading towards a very small total. A length ball, outside off, from around the wicket, Ali Khil looks to defend but there is extra bounce on that one. The incoming delivery hits the sticker of the bat and flies at a comfortable height to Hashim Amla at first slip who takes it to his left around his knee. A struggling 33-ball 9 from Ikram has been ended.
Hamid Hassan walks in at number 10. Can he hang around with Rashid Khan and try and get 40-50 runs for the 9th wicket?
32.5 : C Morris to H Hassan, On middle and leg, Hamid works it towards mid-wicket. He wants a single and sets off but Rashid sends him back.
32.6 : C Morris to H Hassan, Ooohhh... A length ball outside off, Hassan wildly swings but misses. The ball does not miss the off stump by much. ANOTHER WICKET MAIDEN. Third of this innings. 5th maiden of the match!
33.1 : I Tahir to R Khan, FOUR! Nicely played. Full and around off, Rashid gets down and sweeps it between short fine leg and square leg.
33.2 : I Tahir to R Khan, FOUR! Another one. Quicker delivery, around middle and leg, Rashid sweeps it behind square once more.
33.3 : I Tahir to R Khan, Comes down the track, looks to go inside out but skews it off the outer half. The edge lands wide of cover and a couple of runs are taken. Andile Phehlukwayo does a good job by running back, sliding and stopping the boundary.
33.4 : I Tahir to R Khan, FOUR! Very nicely played. Tossed up outside off, Rashid comes down the track, takes it on the full and carves it over cover!
33.5 : I Tahir to R Khan, OUT! Caught! Tahir wins the battle of the leggies. A short ball, the slider this time, Rashid pulls and the connection is sweet too. It flies over mid-wicket but the elevation is not that great. Rassie van der Dussen at deep mid-wicket waits patiently then leaps and takes the catch. Fine cameo from Tahir comes to an end.
Aftab Alam is the last man in. Can Afghanistan reach 150?
Is that the final wicket? Tahir seems to be confident. The googly it is... Missed the inside edge but spinning down the leg side. South Africa will lose a review here. Though it hardly matters at this stage.
33.6 : I Tahir to A Alam, NOT OUT. Missing leg and Tahir does not get a 5-fer. For now. South Africa lose a review as well. The googly, around off, Alam does not pick it and gets a good stride forward to defend. Misses the ball and is hit on the pads and Tahir roars an appeal. The umpire does not agree and Immy wants a review. Hawk Eye shows the bat to be sliding down leg.
34.1 : C Morris to H Hassan, OUT! Caught! That ends the innings. Yet another team has been bowled out without playing its full quota of overs in the first innings. A length ball outside off, Hamid looks to pull but is done in by the extra bounce. Gets a top edge which goes nowhere but straight up in the air. Two fielders converge under it, Rabada running in from mid off and du Plessis running to his right from extra cover but in the end, the captain calls it crystal clear and takes it near the bo
South Africa have arrived in England at last. Agreed that Afghanistan have not displayed the best technique in the batting department but the Proteas were clinical to say. After winning a crucial toss, they made the most of the favourable conditions.
The innings began in a very promising note for the Afghans. The openers were watchful and almost saw off Powerplay 1, before Zazai was dismissed in the 9th over. That brought some stalling to the proceedings. The Men In Blue found it difficult to get going and were 69/2 in the 20th over when trouble arrived.
The trouble which starts with 'T' in English but with 'R' in this case. Rain. This was the second delay in this game after the first one came in the 6th over. That second interruption totally changed the game. South Africa came roaring back after the break, thanks to the spiced-up pitch due to the rain. In a trice, Afghanistan were reduced to 77/7 - losing 5 wickets for 8 runs in the span of 32 balls. They could barely recover from that.
Rashid Khan did inject some momentum with a 34-run stand for the 9th wicket with Ikram Ali Khil but it was just delaying the inevitable. Just 3 batsmen managed double figures. A shoddy batting display to say the least.
Good bowling from South Africa. Especially in the first half of this innings. The wickets were not coming and the pitch looked flat but they did not lose hope and kept the run rate down. Then, when the pitch spiced up due to the rain, they made the most of the track. Imran Tahir enjoyed the first, with 4 wickets while Morris helped himself to 3. Here is Immy with a big smile on his face giving an interview.
Imran Tahir says that during the rain break they knew it was going to be a short game and are happy with the performance after that. Says he was happy to get a wicket off a googly straightaway and informs he planned to bowl that as not many expect him to start with a googly. On whether he enjoyed bowling to Rashid, Tahir tells he did not enjoy bowling to Khan as he was batting well but in the end he is happy to have got his wicket. On how was the mood in the camp after their disappointing start,
THE REVISED TARGET FOR SOUTH AFRICA AS PER THE DLS METHOD IS 127 FROM 48 OVERS. Doubt whether this run chase will go beyond 30 overs. Join us back at 6.10 pm local (1710 GMT).
0.0 : We are back for the chase! Afghanistan players are in a huddle as their skipper, Naib says last words of inspiration before the players take their respective position in the field. Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock stride out to the middle to open the innings for South Africa. Aftab Alam to operate with the first new ball for Afghanistan.
0.1 : A Alam to H Amla, Aftab starts with a fuller ball outside off. No movement on the first ball for him. Amla watchfully leaves it alone.
0.2 : A Alam to H Amla, Once again a straight ball on the fourth stump line, Amla lets it carry to the keeper.
0.3 : A Alam to H Amla, Bowls on the stump. It is on off and middle, Amla pushes it to the man at mid on.
0.4 : A Alam to H Amla, The chase is off the mark. On the pads, Amla looks to flick but it rolls off his thigh pad towards the fine leg region and they take a leg bye.
0.5 : A Alam to de Kock, Comes 'round the wicket to de Kock and hits the length hard outside off. There was a bit of away movement on this. De Kock initially looks to defend but then moves away from it.
0.6 : A Alam to de Kock, A very good leave this one. Good length ball pitching outside off. It comes in slightly but de Kock knows where his off stump is and shoulders arms to it.
Hamid Hassan to bowl from the other end with the second new ball.
1.1 : H Hassan to H Amla, Good length ball on the line of the stumps, Amla taps it back to the bowler.
1.2 : H Hassan to H Amla, Outside off now, Amla strokes it uppishly towards the man at cover. It gets to the man there on the bounce.
1.3 : H Hassan to H Amla, Good carry. Back of a length ball outside off, Amla shoulders arms to it.
1.4 : H Hassan to H Amla, Shorter in length this, Amla tucks it to the man at mid-wicket.
1.5 : H Hassan to H Amla, Back of a length ball around off, Amla taps it down to third man and gets off the mark. First run off the bat in this chase.
1.6 : H Hassan to de Kock, De Kock is off the mark too but not in a comfortable fashion. Good length ball on middle, it comes in after pitching. De Kock looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball then rolls towards cover and they take a quick single.
2.1 : A Alam to de Kock, Length ball on middle, de Kock strokes it wide of mid on and gets a single.
2.2 : A Alam to H Amla, EDGED AND FOUR! First one off the innings. It has not come off the middle but Amla will take it. Outside off on a length, Amla looks to play it on the off side but gets a thick inside edge which goes past the stumps towards the vacant fine leg fence.
2.3 : A Alam to H Amla, Well left this. On a length and very close to the off stump, Hashim shoulders arms to it.
2.4 : A Alam to H Amla, Outside off, Amla leaves it alone.
2.5 : A Alam to H Amla, Good length ball around off, Hashim defends it towards point.
2.6 : A Alam to H Amla, On the pads, Amla looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad.
3.1 : H Hassan to de Kock, Length delivery outside off, de Kock looks to play it on the off side but it comes off the inner half of the bat and goes back towards the bowler.
3.2 : H Hassan to de Kock, Good ball this. Hassan hits the deck hard around off. The ball moves away after pitching, de Kock looks to tap it towards backward point but gets beaten.
WORLD CUP 2019 UPDATE - Meanwhile, at The Oval, Australia have trounced Sri Lanka by 87 runs to go atop the table. Batting first, the Aussies put on 334/7 on the board. Sri Lanka in reply, were 115/0 in the 16th over but lost track once Kusal Perera departed.
3.3 : H Hassan to de Kock, Outside off on a length, de Kock guides it down to third man and gets to the other end.
3.4 : H Hassan to H Amla, Full on off, Amla drives it to the man at mid off.
3.5 : H Hassan to H Amla, This time drives it wide of the fielder at mid off and gets a single.
3.6 : H Hassan to de Kock, Good length ball around off, de Kock guides it down to third man and keeps the strike with a single. Afghanistan are bowling well here but they need a wicket desperately.
4.1 : A Alam to de Kock, Good length ball on middle and off, de Kock defends it with a straight bat.
4.2 : A Alam to de Kock, Pitches it on middle and leg and it comes in with the angle. De Kock flicks it to deep square leg and gets a single.
4.3 : A Alam to H Amla, Good length ball outside off, it does not bounce as much as Hashim expects it to. He looks to cut but does so down the ground.
4.4 : A Alam to H Amla, Good shot and a very good fielding but all the good work is undone by a wild throw and poor backup. Outside off on a length, Amla punches it wide of cover. Rashid Khan dives to his left and stops the ball as they take a run. He has a shy at the bowler's end but it is wayward. Naib backing up slides to his right and fails to stop it in the first attempt and the batsmen take the second.
A delayed review from Afghanistan. Looks high to the naked eye. Amla might just continue batting. Nothing on the Ultra Edge. And Hawk Eye shows it to be missing leg stump both on height and angle. Review lost early for Afghanistan.
4.5 : A Alam to H Amla, NOT OUT! Waste of a review this. Good length ball pitching on middle and coming in with the angle. Amla looks to flick but misses. The Afghanistan players put in an appeal and take the review as their appeal umpire turns it down. They take an hopeful appeal. Replays roll in and Hawk Eye shows the ball to be not just missing the leg pole with the angle but was also over the stumps.
4.6 : A Alam to H Amla, Back of a length ball, Amla pulls it down to fine leg and gets a single.
5.1 : H Hassan to H Amla, Outside off, Hashim leaves it alone.
5.2 : H Hassan to H Amla, Good length ball on middle, Amla looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto his body.
5.3 : H Hassan to H Amla, Bouncer! It is outside off, Amla leaves it alone.
5.4 : H Hassan to H Amla, Good length ball around off, Amla looks to defend but gets an inside edge which goes down towards point.
5.5 : H Hassan to H Amla, On the pads, Amla looks to flick but misses and the ball gets hit on the pads.
5.6 : H Hassan to H Amla, Good length ball on middle, Amla tucks it to mid-wicket. Good over this. It is a maiden.
6.1 : A Alam to de Kock, Good length ball coming in with the angle, de Kock looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
6.2 : A Alam to de Kock, Another good ball. The Afghanistan bowlers are bowling a very good line and length here. Outside off and it is back of a length, de Kock looks to hit it but misses. The ball just about beats his outside edge.
6.3 : A Alam to de Kock, Good length ball on middle and leg, de Kock looks to defend. He does so with the lower half of his bat. The ball bounces on the crease and onto his body.
6.4 : A Alam to de Kock, Outside off on a length, de Kock cuts it straight to the man at point.
6.5 : A Alam to de Kock, Good length ball on the stumps, Quinton taps it back to the bowler.
6.6 : A Alam to de Kock, FOUR! This should get de Kock going. Good length ball outside off, de Kock plants his front foot forwards and drives it between mid off and cover. Naib runs behind it from mid off but the ball beats him slowly to the ropes.
7.1 : H Hassan to H Amla, Outside off, Amla has nothing to do with it and leaves it alone.
7.2 : H Hassan to H Amla, Good length ball on off, Amla flicks it to the on side and calls for a single straightaway.
7.3 : H Hassan to de Kock, Around off, de Kock strokes it towards cover and takes a single.
7.4 : H Hassan to H Amla, Good length ball away from the off stump, Amla leaves it confidently.
7.5 : H Hassan to H Amla, FOUR! Vintage Amla. Hassan is guilty of bowling it too full on middle and leg, Amla rolls back the years and plays a beautiful on drive for a boundary.
7.6 : H Hassan to H Amla, Short ball to end the over. Amla sways away from it to see off the over.
Rashid Khan into the attack.
8.1 : R Khan to de Kock, FOUR! Not the start Rashid would have wanted. Short on middle, de Kock gets on his back foot and pulls it through mid-wicket.
8.2 : R Khan to de Kock, Flatter on off, de Kock blocks it off the front foot.
8.3 : R Khan to de Kock, Tossed up on middle and off, de Kock defends it with a straight bat.
8.4 : R Khan to de Kock, Floated on off, de Kock looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
8.5 : R Khan to de Kock, On the pads, de Kock turns it to the man at square leg.
8.6 : R Khan to de Kock, Single to end the over. 5 runs off Rashid's first. Tossed up on middle and leg, de Kock strokes it towards mid-wicket and gets a single.
The skipper has introduced himself into the attack. Afghanistan need a wicket and Naib feels he can provide them with it. Let's see.
9.1 : G Naib to de Kock, Full on off, de Kock plays it to the man at mid off.
9.2 : G Naib to de Kock, On middle and full, de Kock pushes it to mid on.
9.3 : G Naib to de Kock, IN THE AIR...FOUR! Comical this. You hardly see this in international cricket. Full on off, de Kock decides enough of the waiting game and he looks to loft it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies to the right of third man. Afghan at third man runs to his right and looks to stop the ball but it spins away from him and to the fence.
9.4 : G Naib to de Kock, Follows it up with a gentle push to mid on.
9.5 : G Naib to de Kock, Good length ball around off, de Kock hits it wide of third man and takes one. The running between the wickets is not the best as they could have taken two there.
9.6 : G Naib to H Amla, Almost chopped on. Good length ball on off, Amla defends it but it goes just past the stumps. Not what many would have thought. South Africa have scored fewer runs than Afghanistan in Powerplay 1. 35/0 to 43/1.
POWERPLAY 2 time. 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the 39th over, if the match goes till then.
10.1 : R Khan to de Kock, Short and wide outside off, de Kock cuts it uppishly towards the man at point.
10.2 : R Khan to de Kock, Floated around off, de Kock plays it wide of the man at point now and gets a single.
10.3 : R Khan to H Amla, Shorter on the stumps, Hashim defends it off the back foot.
10.4 : R Khan to H Amla, On the pads, Amla flicks it towards square leg and gets a single.
10.5 : R Khan to de Kock, Full toss! De Kock does not make the most of it and hits it wide of the man at long on. The batsmen take two as Afghan in the deep mops it up.
10.6 : R Khan to de Kock, Single to end the over. Outside off, de Kock punches it wide of cover and keeps the strike.
11.1 : G Naib to de Kock, Full on middle, de Kock flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a couple.
11.2 : G Naib to de Kock, Length ball on middle and off, de Kock looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pad.
11.3 : G Naib to de Kock, Back of a length ball on off, de Kock pulls it to long on and gets a single.
11.4 : G Naib to H Amla, A very good looking pull but there is a man in the deep at mid-wicket so just one run for Amla.
11.5 : G Naib to de Kock, Full on off, de Kock plays it towards long on off the inner half of his bat and gets an easy single. Afghanistan need to attack here. They cannot defend this score only wickets can give them a chance.
11.6 : G Naib to H Amla, Outside off, Amla hits it to the man at point to get through the over.
12.1 : R Khan to de Kock, Floated and full on the pads, Amla flicks it to deep square leg and gets a single.
12.2 : R Khan to H Amla, Close! Short and straight outside off, Amla looks to cut it but the ball just about misses the outside edge.
12.3 : R Khan to H Amla, Good attempt from Rashid. Tossed up on middle, Amla hits it straight to the right of Rashid. He dives there and looks to stop it but the ball deflects off his fingers to long on. Aftab Alam throws it right on the face of Rashid who is down on the ground.
12.4 : R Khan to de Kock, Shorter on off, de Kock defends it off the back foot.
12.5 : R Khan to de Kock, Short outside off, de Kock cuts it wide of point and gets a double.
12.6 : R Khan to de Kock, FOUR! Very well played this. Rashid bowls it fast and short outside off, de Kock cuts it late past point and gets a boundary as the ball goes to the backward point fence. 50 comes up for South Africa with that boundary.
13.1 : G Naib to H Amla, Good length ball around off, Amla cuts it wide of point and takes a single.
13.2 : G Naib to de Kock, On the pads, de Kock flicks it towards mid-wicket for an easy single.
13.3 : G Naib to H Amla, Good length ball outside off, Amla cuts it to the man at point.
13.4 : G Naib to H Amla, This time plays it wide of that man and gets a single.
13.5 : G Naib to de Kock, Shorter ball on off, de Kock pulls it towards deep mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
13.6 : G Naib to H Amla, On the stumps, Amla defends it to see off the over.
14.1 : R Khan to de Kock, Short on middle and leg, de Kock pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket and gets a couple.
14.2 : R Khan to de Kock, In the air but safe. Googly outside off, de Kock looks to play it towards cover by making room. He gets n outside edge which goes to the right of cover. Hamid Hassan there takes it casually and lets it go behind him allowing them to take two.
14.3 : R Khan to de Kock, Flatter on the stumps, Quinton defends it.
14.4 : R Khan to de Kock, Tossed up on middle, de Kock blocks it with confidence.
14.5 : R Khan to de Kock, On the pads, de Kock flicks it to the on side and gets a single.
14.6 : R Khan to H Amla, Floated on middle, Amla taps it back to the bowler.
Change of bowling then. Mohammad Nabi into the attack. Can he give Afghanistan something to smile?
15.1 : M Nabi to de Kock, Tossed up on off, de Kock astutely blocks it.
15.2 : M Nabi to de Kock, Oh, almlost had their first there. Off spinner on off, de Kock looks to defend but gets an inside edge which misses the stumps as it goes to the fine leg region.
15.3 : M Nabi to de Kock, Short on off, de Kock cuts it to the man at point.
15.4 : M Nabi to de Kock, Short on off, de Kock punches it to the man at cover.
15.5 : M Nabi to de Kock, Now punches it wide of cover and gets a single.
15.6 : M Nabi to H Amla, Flatter on off, de Kock blocks it to see off the over.
16.1 : R Khan to de Kock, FOUR! Rashid is unable to spin his magic here so far. He overpitches it on off, de Kock gets down on one knee and whacks his sweep over mid-wicket for a boundary.
16.2 : R Khan to de Kock, Short on off, de Kock cuts it towards backward point. The fielder misfields there and de Kock is quick between the wicket so he comes back for the second.
16.3 : R Khan to de Kock, On the pads, de Kock flicks it to the man at mid-wicket.
16.4 : R Khan to de Kock, Tossed up on off, de Kock looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
16.5 : R Khan to de Kock, Floated on off, de Kock defends it off the front foot.
16.6 : R Khan to de Kock, FOUR! Fifty comes up for de Kock with that boundary. The over ends the way it started. Floated on off, de Kock heaves it over mid-wicket and gets a boundary to reach his second fifty of this World Cup. His 23rd in ODIs.
17.1 : M Nabi to H Amla, Full and outside off, Amla looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards point. A single taken.
17.2 : M Nabi to de Kock, Full and outside leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a run.
17.3 : M Nabi to H Amla, FOUR! Nicely played. Full and outside off, Amla gets his bat down and gently reverse sweeps it through the vacant slip cordon to the third man fence.
17.4 : M Nabi to H Amla, Around off, pushed back to the bowler.
17.5 : M Nabi to H Amla, Around off, worked straight to short mid-wicket.
17.6 : M Nabi to H Amla, On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Gulbadin Naib is back!
18.1 : G Naib to H Amla, Good length ball on off, Amla tucks it to mid-wicket.
18.2 : G Naib to H Amla, Full on off, Amla strokes it to mid on.
18.3 : G Naib to H Amla, Outside off and full, Amla strokes it to sweeper cover and takes a run.
18.4 : G Naib to de Kock, MISFIELD AND FOUR! This is schoolboy stuff from Afghanistan. Back of a length ball on the body, de Kock pulls it towards deep mid-wicket. Rahmat Shah at deep mid-wicket gets it on a bounce but he misfields it and the ball goes away to the fence.
18.5 : G Naib to de Kock, On the pads, de Kock flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
18.6 : G Naib to H Amla, Outside off, Amla punches it to the man at cover.
19.1 : M Nabi to de Kock, Tossed up on off, de Kock comes down the track and looks to hit it on the leg side but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
19.2 : M Nabi to de Kock, Flighted around off, de Kock hits it sweetly to sweeper cover for a single.
19.3 : M Nabi to H Amla, Shorter on the stumps, de Kock defends it off the back foot.
19.4 : M Nabi to H Amla, FOUR! Excellent shot. A sign of aggression from Amla. Tossed up on the pads, Amla hits it over square leg and gets a boundary.
19.5 : M Nabi to H Amla, Follows it up with a solid front foot defense.
19.6 : M Nabi to H Amla, Outside off, Amla looks to push it but misses.
Drinks Break! South Africa need just 36 runs to wrap this up. Getting back in this game for Afghanistan looks next to impossible now. They will still look to get a wicket or two which will boost their confidence.
20.1 : G Naib to de Kock, Good length ball on off, de Kock guides it down to third man and gets a single.
20.2 : G Naib to H Amla, Full on middle, Amla defends it off the front foot.
20.3 : G Naib to H Amla, Full again around off, Amla strokes it wide of mid off and gets a single.
20.4 : G Naib to de Kock, Once again the length is the same. It is on middle, de Kock hits it straight to the man at mid-wicket.
20.5 : G Naib to de Kock, Good length ball on off, de Kock makes room and looks to heave it over long on. He does not time it well so it does not reach the fence. The man from deep mid-wicket mops it up and they take two.
20.6 : G Naib to de Kock, Good length ball outside leg, de Kock looks to flick it but it tickles his pads on the way to the keeper.
21.1 : M Nabi to H Amla, Tossed up on off, Amla plays it towards point and gets a single.
21.2 : M Nabi to de Kock, Flighted outside of, de Kock looks to sweep but misses. The ball hits him on his pad but maybe he got an inside edge on it.
21.3 : M Nabi to de Kock, WIDE! It is way outside off, on the wrong side of the tramline. Wide signalled.
M Nabi to de Kock, On the pads, Quinton flicks it towards mid-wicket and gets a single.
21.4 : M Nabi to H Amla, Floated on the stumps, HA blocks it.
21.5 : M Nabi to H Amla, On the pads, Amla turns it to the on side and gets a single.
21.6 : M Nabi to de Kock, On middle and leg, de Kock flicks it to the man at mid-wicket.
22.1 : G Naib to H Amla, On a length outside off, defended watchfully.
22.2 : G Naib to H Amla, Outside off, pushed towards point.
22.3 : G Naib to H Amla, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single.
22.4 : G Naib to de Kock, FOUR! Full and down the leg side, de Kock flicks it behind square leg and the ball races away to the fence.
22.5 : G Naib to de Kock, OUT! Caught! Sharp catch from Mohammad Nabi. This won't be a 10-wicket win then. Full and around middle and leg, de Kock whips it away again, this time through mid-wicket but cannot quite keep it down, nor find the gap. Mohammad Nabi takes a good catch at short mid-wicket to his right, reacting swiftly. Then complains to the keeper that the sun was in his eyes. De Kock walks back with a wry smile. Must have been eyeing a not out.
South Africa doing an England. Andile Phehlukwayo comes in at number 3, with 23 needed.
22.6 : G Naib to A Phehlukwayo, Full and outside off, pushed towards mid on. 5 runs and a wicket from the over.
Rashid Khan is back!
23.1 : R Khan to H Amla, Floated on the stumps, Amla blocks it.
23.2 : R Khan to H Amla, Flighted on off, Amla pushes it to the man at mid off.
23.3 : R Khan to H Amla, Flighted on middle and leg, Amla defends it with straight bat.
23.4 : R Khan to H Amla, On off, Amla pushes it towards sweeper cover and gets a single.
23.5 : R Khan to A Phehlukwayo, WIDE! Rashid misses his mark and sprays it down the leg side. Andile looks to flick but misses.
R Khan to A Phehlukwayo, Tossed up on middle, Phehlukwayo brings out the reverse sweep but hits it to the man at backward point.
23.6 : R Khan to A Phehlukwayo, On the pads, Phehlukwayo misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.
24.1 : M Nabi to H Amla, Short and outside off, punched behind point for a single.
24.2 : M Nabi to A Phehlukwayo, Tossed up outside off, Phehlukayo has a wild heave but there is no pace on the ball. An inside edge is eked towards short fine leg.
24.3 : M Nabi to A Phehlukwayo, Shorter in length, punched down to long on for a run.
24.4 : M Nabi to H Amla, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
24.5 : M Nabi to H Amla, Landed outside off, Amla looks to run it down to third man but is beaten due to the extra bounce.
24.6 : M Nabi to H Amla, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
25.1 : R Khan to A Phehlukwayo, FOUR! Phehlukwayo has struck that really well. Tossed up on off, Andile gets down on one knee and sweeps it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
25.2 : R Khan to A Phehlukwayo, Shorter on middle and leg, Phehlukwayo strokes it towards cover and takes a single.
25.3 : R Khan to H Amla, Full toss. A low one, Amla taps it to the man at mid on.
25.4 : R Khan to H Amla, Flighted on middle, Amla milks it down to long on and gets to the other end.
25.5 : R Khan to A Phehlukwayo, Outside off and quicker, Phehlukwayo looks to play the reverse sweep but misses.
25.6 : R Khan to A Phehlukwayo, FOUR! Crunched. On off, Phehlukwayo punches it hard through point for a boundary.
26.1 : M Nabi to H Amla, On middle and leg, Amla flicks it to the man at mid-wicket.
26.2 : M Nabi to H Amla, On middle again, Amla flicks it to mid-wicket and takes a single.
26.3 : M Nabi to H Amla, On the pads, Amla turns it square on the leg side and gets a single.
26.4 : M Nabi to A Phehlukwayo, In the air but safe. Floated on off, Phehlukwayo lofts it wide of long off. Zazai there does not go for the catch and they take just a single.
26.5 : M Nabi to H Amla, Tossed up on middle, Amla milks it to long on for a single.
26.6 : M Nabi to A Phehlukwayo, On middle, Andile looks to play it on the off side but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Aftab Alam is back! Will it be the last over of the game?
27.1 : A Alam to H Amla, Full on off, Amla pushes it to mid off.
27.2 : A Alam to H Amla, Back of a length ball on middle, Amla was initially looking to leave it but then plays the upper cut towards third man and gets a single.
27.3 : A Alam to A Phehlukwayo, Bouncer! Around the body and it on the eye line. Phehlukwayo sways away from it.
27.4 : A Alam to A Phehlukwayo, WIDE! Over does the bouncer. This one goes over his head and it has been wided.
A Alam to A Phehlukwayo, Yorker on middle. Phehlukwayo does well to get his bat down in time. Aftab has a word with Andile. Don't know why he did that.
27.5 : A Alam to A Phehlukwayo, WIDE! Sprays it down the leg side, Phehlukwayo looks to flick but misses. Wide signalled. Afghanistan players think it has flicked his pad.
A Alam to A Phehlukwayo, Full on middle, Phehlukwayo looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
27.6 : A Alam to A Phehlukwayo, We will have another over in this game, at least. Good length ball on middle and leg, Andile pulls it to mid-wicket.
28.1 : M Nabi to H Amla, Tossed up on off, Amla nudges it to mid on.
28.2 : M Nabi to H Amla, On the pads, Hashim flicks it to the on side and gets a single.
28.3 : M Nabi to A Phehlukwayo, Floated on the stumps, Andile defends it.
28.4 : M Nabi to A Phehlukwayo, SIX! First six of the game and it will be the only one as Phehlukwayo finishes off in style. Tossed up on middle and off, Andile comes down the track and heaves it over long off for a maximum. SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 9 WICKETS (DLS METHOD)
The game ends at last. South Africa have laboured and laboured but eventually got those 2 crucial points. Perhaps they did not feel the need to go hammer and tongs, concentrating more on the win.
On a pitch which had juice, 125 might have been challenging. Might have been. But the sunshine during the innings break, wiped out any juice on offer. It was a nice pancake baked for the Proteas and the openers just feasted. Strangely though, they did not feel the need to accelerate and took their own sweet time to score.
After his half century, de Kock tried to finish the game off quickly but could not quite do so. Hashim Amla played a curious Warneresque innings, with his strike rate being even below 50. Certainly was not his own self. But at the end of the day, victory by 9 wickets and 116 balls to spare will be taken by the Proteas.
Tough day at the office for Afghanistan. Started well with the bat, but then lost their way after the second rain break. With the ball, they barely could do much and had to settle with a solitary wicket. Rashid Khan could do nothing much with the ball either. Please stay tuned for the presentation.
IMRAN TAHIR HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH. Says that he is really pleased with his job today but overall, he is happy to have contributed to the team's win. Stresses that the team was up for an on-off game and wanted to play with the same intensity after any such rain break. Praises the fast bowlers for setting up the tone. On the grass on the wicket, Tahir says that he knew he was not going to get any turn, so only looked to keep it wicket-to-wicket. Feels lucky that his experiments came
Afghanistan skipper, Gulbadin Naib, manages a smile despite the defeat. Rues his luck on losing the toss and praises his side for starting well and putting up a fight. Admits that the Imran Tahir spell completely took them by surprise and is disappointed that the excellent start was wasted. Puts the onus on the batsmen to get 50-run partnerships. On Rashid Khan's innings, Gulbadin marvels at the team's batting depth which goes upto 9 but is quick to point out that the ones above Rashid need to t
Victorious South African captain, Faf du Plessis, feels that the Proteas performed much better today, with more intensity. On the slow approach, Faf says that they needed some runs under the belt, hence the need to bat out the first 10 overs carefully. Praises the bowlers for bowling well in the middle overs and also Tahir, for doing extremely well even on grounds with short boundaries. On the approach regarding the net run rate, du Plessis says that the initial thought was to see off the first
Double header number 4 of this World Cup ends! Australia trounced Sri Lanka while South Africa slowly got past Afghanistan to finally make a move on in the points table. They move to 7th while Australia are up at number 1.
Sunday. June 16. When probably, not just Asia, but the entire world stands still. Because India take on Pakistan. Finish off your chores for the day, take good rest, get some lunch, drinks, popcorn, whatever you wish and be ready on your seats - the action begins at 10.30 am local (0930 GMT) in Manchester. Do do do tune in. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!