Published: Jun 16, 2019, 02:21 AM (IST)
Edited: Jun 16, 2019, 02:21 AM (IST)
Finally, after five matches, South Africa earned their first win of the ICC World Cup 2019 following a crushing nine-wicket win over Afghanistan in Match 21 at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Saturday.
With the huge win South Africa have now jumped two spots and occupy the seventh position in the ten-team table with three points from five games. The Faf du Plessis‘s side endured a torrid start to their campaign, losing their first three matches before a no result against the West Indies. Afghanistan firmly occupy the bottom place failing to open their account after four matches.
Chances of South Africa qualifying for the semi-finals look remote, but if they still need to keep their hopes high, they have to win all their remaining four matches by huge margins.
Meanwhile, defending champions Australia dethroned New Zealand from the top after a 87-run victory against Sri Lanka at The Oval on Saturday that came on the back of a phenomenal 153 from captain Aaron Finch. With the two points, Australia have now pocketed 8 points from five matches with their only defeat coming against India.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have lost their second match, which takes them to the fifth place below India, who have five points from three matches after two wins. Their match against New Zealand – a washed out tie – saw the Virat Kohli-led side walk away with one point. (FULL POINTS TABLE)
India’s arch-rivals in Sunday’s big ticket clash at Old Trafford, Pakistan occupy the penultimate position with 3 points from four games.
