De Villiers power S. Africa to 37-run win over Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan lost to South Africa in their Group 1 match of the ICC World Twenty 200 at the Mumbai ground, the bowler’s graveyard, on Sunday.

With this 37-run win, which came days after their shock defeat at the hands of England, South Africa resuscitated their World Twenty20 campaign

Electing to bat first, South Africa posted a formidable total of 209 for the loss of five wickets, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) spokesman said.

Farid Hotak told Pajhwok Afghan News AB de Villiers, who was twice dropped, smashed 64 off 29 balls. Quinton de Kock hit a quick-fire 45 and du Plessis chipped in with 41.

Afghanistan’s gutsy opener Mohammad Shahzad struck 44 off only 19 deliveries, but quickie Chris Morris grabbed four for 27 to reduce Afghanistan to 172 in the stipulated 20 overs.

Afghanistan suffered their second loss in a row after they were outclassed by defending champions Sri Lanka in Kolkata.

After Morris shattered the stump of Shahzad, he removed Afghan skipper Asghar Stanikzai. Later on, he dismissed Rashid Khan and Dawlat Zadran.

In post-match Idea, the losing captain said the experience of playing experienced sides would benefit them. While praising Shahzad’s breezy knock, he deplored the quick loss of wickets.

"The target was slightly too much," Shahzad told reporters, calling de Villiers the game-changer. De Villiers hit five sixes and four fours.

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