World Cup, SA vs AFG: Azmatullah Omarzai hits unbeaten 97; Afghanistan 244 all out against South Africa

NEW DELHI: Afghanistan's aspirations for a place in the World Cup semi-finals were virtually extinguished on Friday as they were dismissed for 244 against South Africa.


Opting to bat in Ahmedabad, Afghanistan found themselves at 116-6 before Azmatullah Omarzai's resilient, unbeaten 97 led to a competitive total. However, it fell short of the substantial victory margin required for their slim chances.

South Africa's Gerald Coetzee claimed four wickets, and spinner Keshav Maharaj impressed with figures of 2-25 as the Proteas prepared for their semi-final against Australia.

Quinton de Kock played a crucial role with six wicketkeeping dismissals, equaling the World Cup record set by Australia's Adam Gilchrist (against Namibia in 2003) and Pakistan's Sarfaraz Ahmed (against South Africa in 2015).

Pakistan, set to face England on Saturday, required a mathematical miracle to surpass New Zealand, who were almost certain to reach the semi-finals and potentially face the table-topping India.

Despite an aggressive start from openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan faced setbacks. Maharaj's first-ball strike dismissed Gurbaz for 25, and Coetzee removed Ibrahim in the next over. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi fell to Maharaj, leaving Afghanistan at 45-3.

Rahmat Shah's 26-run partnership with Azmatullah was disrupted by fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, but Azmatullah stood firm. Despite the risk of being bowled out in under 50 overs, he anchored crucial partnerships with Rashid Khan (14) and Noor Ahmad (26).

Although Azmatullah achieved his ODI best, falling just short of a century, he managed only a single run in the final over, ending with a run-out.

Afghanistan's hopes of reaching the final four were dashed after a heartbreaking loss to Australia and New Zealand's subsequent victory over Sri Lanka. With a negative run rate, their chances of making the semi-finals appeared bleak.