Afghanistan won the toss and elected to field, sending 2024 runner-up South Africa in to bat in Wednesday’s crucial Group D match at the Twenty20 World Cup.
South Africa had won its opening game against Canada, while Afghanistan lost its first match to New Zealand and must win to keep its hopes alive of reaching the Super Eights. Only the top two teams from each group will advance, and New Zealand currently leads Group D with a 2-0 record.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan said the pitch, familiar from his Indian Premier League experience, is favorable for bowling first and that his team prefers chasing a target.
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Afghanistan had been a surprise semifinalist at the 2024 World Cup before losing to South Africa in the tournament held across the Caribbean and the United States.
South Africa made one change to its lineup, bringing in left-arm spinner George Linde in place of all-rounder Corbin Bosch. Afghanistan also made an adjustment, calling up left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad to replace medium-pacer Ziaur Rahman.
Later Wednesday, Australia is scheduled to play its first tournament match against Ireland in Group B, while England faces West Indies in Group C.
The tournament’s most anticipated group-stage clash will take place on Sunday, when unbeaten Pakistan faces India in Group A after reversing its earlier decision to boycott the match.