(By Naveen Abeyratne in Karachi)
More professional and clinical South Africans beat Afghanistan by 107 runs today to emphasis that they’re ready to go on a long way in the Champion’s Trophy. Usually belligerent Afghanistan didn’t show any of their fighting qualities at the Karachi stadium today. They succumbed to mere 208, in reply to South Africa’s commanding 315 for 6.
South Africa was powered by a classy century and three half centuries. The century by Ryan Rickelton was a treat to watch. It was a classical display of stroke making as he scored 88 of his runs in front of the wicket. His only six flew over long on while five of his drives raced to the boundary through covers and mid wicket.
Rickelton’s innings was blemish less from the start to finish. In addition to hitting boundaries at every opportunity he got, Rickelton rotated the strike like a well experienced batter. The most important feature of the South African innings was the successful partnerships.
Opener Tony de Zorzi departed for 11 but the second wicket partnership between Rickelton and skipper Temba Bavuma flourished for 129 runs. Third, fourth and fifth wicket partnerships worth 44, 47 and 50 runs respectively.
Temba Bavuma departed after 76 ball 58 but Rassie van der Dussen (52) and Aiden Markram (52 not out) came with two elegant half centuries. In the meantime, David Miller and Markram faced only 32 balls for their 50 runs association.
In contrast to the South African innings, there were no successful partnerships in the Afghanistan essay. That was mainly due to the outstanding fielding by South Africans. Temba Bavuma’s catch at mid wicket, to dismiss his counterpart, was somewhat to remember.
Fighting Rahmat Shah was the only trouble maker for South Africa bowlers, with 90 off 92 balls, but never was a threat to the Africans. All the South African bowlers claimed at-least a single wicket while Kagiso Rabada claimed three for 36 in 8.3 overs. Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder claimed two wickets each.
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