CRICKET: UPDATES FROM THE FRONT LINES OF THE ICC WORLD CUP 2022
Match 3: Afghanistan vs. Southern Africa
Date: March 22, 2022
Venue: Warner Park, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
Match 3 of the ICC World Cup 2022 saw Afghanistan take on Southern Africa at the Warner Park in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. The match was a highly anticipated one, as both teams looked to make a strong start to their campaign in the premier tournament.
Afghanistan Wins Thrilling Contest
Afghanistan emerged victorious in a tightly contested match, winning by 5 wickets with 10 balls to spare. The Afghan team’s bowlers and batsmen combined to restrict Southern Africa to a modest total of 236, which was then chasing down with ease by the Afghan batsmen.
Electing to bat first, Southern Africa got off to a dismal start, losing their first wicket with just 15 runs on the board. The openers, who had looked potent in the opening game, struggled to get the runs flowing, and the team’s momentum was halted early on.
As the innings progressed, the Southern Africa players failed to build partnerships, and their batting fell flat. The team’s best innings came from Aravinda de Silva, who scored a fighting 40 off 51 balls, but his efforts were in vain.
In response, Afghanistan openers, Ibrahim Zadran and Hazratullah Zazai, gave their team a solid start, putting on 60 runs in the opening 10 overs. Zadran, who has been in good form lately, top-scored with 63 off 71 balls, while Zazai chipped in with a 35-ball 34.
As the chase progressed, Afghanistan’s batting became more fluent, with captain Asghar Stanikzai and Azizullah Ahmadzai contributing valuable cameos to seal the win.
Post-Match Analysis
The win takes Afghanistan to the top of the group table, with both points and a positive Net Run Rate. While Southern Africa will be disappointed with the loss, they will look to bounce back in their next match against New Zealand.
For Afghanistan, this victory will be a huge confidence booster, and they will look to build on this momentum as they progress through the tournament.
Match Statistics
Afghanistan 238/5 (Ibrahim Zadran 63, Hazratullah Zazai 34)
Southern Africa 236
Result: Afghanistan wins by 5 wickets with 10 balls to spare
Next Match: Afghanistan vs. New Zealand, March 25, 2022, Warner Park, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
