South Africa too quick for Afghanistan

KARACHI: South Africa showed what pace could do on the Caribbean tracks as they demolished Afghanistan to go through to the Super-Eight of the 2010 ICC World Twenty20.

Restricted to 139 following a spirited performance by the Afghanistan bowlers, South Africa were quick to rise to the challenge and bowl out Afghanistan for a paltry 80. The Asian team, playing with cricket’s elite for the first time, had no answer to the pace of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Charl Langeveldt who shared nine wickets among them.

But Afghanistan coach and former Pakistan fast-bowler Kabir Khan was proud of how far his side had come in such a short space of time and was eager to play more matches to gain exposure. “With each stage they are going a step higher,” said Khan. “Today, to restrict a batting line-up like South Africa to 139 is a big achievement so there are all sorts of pluses for them.

We want all the big cricket countries to help us. The boys are quick learners and we expect that all the cricket nations watching us will help.” Meanwhile, man of the match Morkel, who took four wickets for 20 runs is looking forward to playing the next round. “Hitting the deck hard is my strength and I’m preparing for the games ahead as well so it was about doing the basics right.”