Wesley Botton

By Wesley Botton

Chief sports journalist


UPDATE: Proteas chasing 245 to win World Cup clash with Afghanistan

Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee led the Proteas attack, returning 4/44.


Though they had to deal with a gutsy fight from all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, South Africa managed to restrict Afghanistan to 244 runs in their last round-robin match at the Cricket World Cup in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Again combining well, the Proteas bowling attack had their opponents on the back foot at 116/6 in the 28th over after Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat.

Omarzai stuck his heels in, however, and kept the tail wagging with an unbeaten ODI career best.

He hit an unbeaten 97 off 107 balls to carry his side, falling just three runs short of his maiden century in any format at professional level.

Proteas attack

Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee spearheaded the Proteas attack, returning 4/44, while spinner Keshav Maharaj also bowled well to take 2/25 from his 10 overs.

South Africa, who have already booked their place in next week’s semi-finals, will be chasing 245 runs to win.

Afghanistan must secure victory to keep their playoff hopes alive.

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