Event Details
The match is scheduled for Friday, 10th November at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Match Overview
Afghanistan has been a revelation in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, with four impressive victories under their belt. They now face a decisive match that could secure their place in the knockout stages.
Despite a promising start, Hashmatullah Shahidi’s team fell short in their last match against Australia, thanks to a stellar performance by Glenn Maxwell.
A win in that match would have propelled Afghanistan into the top four, ahead of New Zealand and Pakistan in the race for the semi-finals.
Currently in sixth place, Afghanistan faces a formidable South African team, who have already secured their semi-final spot with a series of high-scoring victories.
Despite their secure position, South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, will be keen to regain their momentum after a heavy defeat to India in their last match.
Team Line-ups
South Africa:
Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.
Afghanistan:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Naveen ul Haq.
Players to Watch
South Africa – Marco Jansen
Jansen has been instrumental in South Africa’s journey to the semi-finals, contributing both with the bat and ball. He is the leading wicket-taker for South Africa with 17 wickets and has consistently added valuable runs from the middle order. However, he will need to recover from a disappointing performance against India in the last match.
Afghanistan – Ibrahim Zadran
Zadran, the young opener, has been a standout performer for Afghanistan. He scored Afghanistan’s first-ever World Cup century against Australia and has been consistent throughout the tournament. Despite his young age, Zadran’s performance could be crucial in keeping Afghanistan’s semi-final dreams alive.