In the 42nd match of the ICC World Cup 2023, the formidable South African team, already securing a spot in the semi-finals, is set to take on Afghanistan at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 10. The encounter promises intense competition as both teams, under the leadership of Temba Bavuma and Hashmatullah Shahidi, respectively, have displayed commendable performances in the tournament.
South Africa, with an impressive track record of six wins in eight matches, enters the fixture in excellent form. However, their recent defeat against host India at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, where they were all out for just 83 runs while chasing 326, raises questions about their chasing abilities. The toss is anticipated to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this match.
Afghanistan, no stranger to World Cup upsets, showcased their mettle in the previous match against Australia. Despite posting a formidable 292 runs, the Kangaroo team found themselves struggling at 91/7. Glenn Maxwell’s outstanding innings of 201 runs eventually turned the tide in Australia’s favor.
The history between South Africa and Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup is limited, with only one previous encounter in 2019 resulting in Afghanistan’s dismissal for a mere 125 runs.
Narendra Modi Stadium, with its 11 pitches (5 black soil and 6 mixed), adds an intriguing dimension to the match. Known to favor batsmen after the initial overs, the pitch is expected to witness significant boundaries from the South African batsmen. However, as dusk falls, it tends to assist bowlers, promising a balanced contest. The challenge for South Africa will be amplified by Afghanistan’s strong spin bowling lineup, adding an element of uncertainty to the outcome.
As the semi-final race heats up, cricket enthusiasts can anticipate a thrilling clash between two formidable teams, each with its own set of strengths and challenges. The Narendra Modi Stadium is all set to witness a gripping encounter that could potentially shape the trajectory of the World Cup for both South Africa and Afghanistan. Sunil Yash Kalra is a women’s cricket historian and founder of Indian Sports Fans.
