ODI World Cup 2023: Top 10 Memes from SA vs AFG, Match 42

In the 42nd match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, South Africa and Afghanistan clashed at the illustrious Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Afghan skipper won the all-important toss and made the bold choice to set a target, electing to bat first. The Afghan opening duo, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran commenced proceedings with a blazing display of boundary-hitting prowess, treating the spectators to customary boundaries in almost every over. However, the jubilant mood was abruptly extinguished as Keshav Maharaj and Gerald Coetzee removed Gurbaz and Zadran, respectively.

Their middle order couldn't muster a rescue mission this time around, seemingly preferring the comforts of the pavilion over the rigours of the pitch. The South African bowlers tightened their grip, resulting in a significant dip in the run rate. Afghanistan continued to haemorrhage wickets and found themselves in a precarious situation, struggling at 116/6. Azmatullah Omarzai, who had earlier stitched together a crucial 49-run partnership with Rahmat Shah, was instrumental in forming two more 40+run stands with Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed.

While Azmatullah fell agonisingly short of a century by just three runs, his gritty innings ensured that Afghanistan had a competitive total to defend, posting 244 on the scoreboard. For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj's bowling was once again economical, while Coetzee was the pick of the bowlers with a four-wicket haul. Unfortunately, Kagiso Rabada failed to make an impact, and Lungi Ngidi's contribution was hampered by an ankle issue during his initial spell, though he managed to return and claim a couple of wickets, albeit not at his full pace.

When South Africa began their chase, the demons of pressure reared their heads, resulting in the dismissals of the well-set Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma in quick succession. Rassie van der Dussen valiantly held one end, attempting to anchor the innings, but wickets kept falling at the other. Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller all contributed with individual scores below 30. In the end, it was Andile Phehlukwayo who played a crafty innings, finishing it off in style with a series of boundaries to ensure South Africa comfortably reached the target.

Here are the best Memes from the South Africa versus Afghanistan game