South Africa have seen off a spirited fightback from Afghanistan to win by five wickets in their final World Cup group game and consolidate second place in the standings.
South Africa, who have 14 points from their nine games, are two points ahead of Australia and will play Pat Cummins’ team in next week’s semi-finals.
Again against the Afghans on Friday, they demonstrated what a formidable side they can be, as Australia already know following their 134-run hammering by the Proteas in an early group stage match a month ago.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, wrapped up their best ever World Cup campaign with four wins and also sealed a place in the Champions Trophy.
Afghanistan opted to bat first and posted 244 in 50 overs on the back of Azmatullah Omarzai’s unbeaten knock of 97, which included seven boundaries and three sixes, while Gerald Coetzee was the pick of the South African bowlers with figures of 4-44.
In response, South Africa opener Quinton de Kock set up the chase with a breezy 41 that took him to the top of the tournament’s scoring charts on 591 runs.
Rassie van der Dussen (76no) then guided the Proteas home, stitching together a 65-run partnership with Andile Phehlukwayo, who smashed the winning runs with a massive six over deep midwicket in the 48th over.