AHMEDABAD: Both of South Africa’s defeats at the 50-overs World Cup came while chasing but batter David Miller does not think this is a major concern for them heading into the business end of the showpiece tournament.

South Africa have secured their semi-final spot after six wins in eight matches and the top half of their batting order had been in red-hot form before they came unstuck against India in their last match when they were skittled for 83.

They have looked more comfortable setting targets but Miller said they are also usually at ease chasing a total.

“I think we have chased a lot of games in the past, and I don’t think it’s something that is a huge issue at all,” the left-handed batter said ahead of Friday’s match against Afghanistan.

“The guys certainly have the skill and believe that we can chase anything. I think it’s just comparing to what we have done batting first, which has been exceptional.

“We haven’t been horrific chasing, it’s just been one or two games where we slipped up, which is part of the game.

“We have spoken about and dissected that. It’s just about making sure that we’ve got that platform and giving ourselves the best chance to chase down a total.”

Miller was wary of Afghanistan, who have beaten three former champions in the tournament and still have mathematical chances of making the semi-finals.

“They’re a team that’s certainly growing in confidence. They’ve showed that they can compete. I mean this World Cup they’ve done really, really well, beaten some big teams,” Miller said.

“They’re a really strong team, and they have a chance to make the semi-finals. So, it’s good to see.

“That’s the joy of World Cup. You see different teams doing well...It’s great to see and good for cricket.”

SHAHIDI EXPECTED MORE

Meanwhile, Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said that he had “wanted and expected more” at the World Cup as dreams of a semi-final place slipped away.

Having defeated reigning champions England, as well as Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Afghanistan should also have seen off Australia before Glenn Maxwell staged his one-man Mumbai rescue mission on Tuesday.

“As a team we feel proud, we are happy with what we did in this World Cup,” said Shahidi.

“But as a captain, I wanted and I expected more. We should have done better.”

Afghanistan have enjoyed their best World Cup.

At their 2015 debut, they won just one game against Scotland before losing all nine matches at the 2019 tournament.

They conclude their group campaign on Friday against South Africa who have already made sure of a semi-final spot along with India and Australia.

New Zealand are likely to pip Afghanistan and Pakistan to the last semi-final place following their thumping five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka on Thursday. Afghanistan, on the other hand, need to beat South Africa by a massive 438 runs, which seems highly improbable.

Despite winning widespread praise for their swashbuckling style of cricket, Afghanistan ended up as authors of their own downfall in the field. They dropped five catches in losing to New Zealand while Mujeeb Ur Rahman will forever be haunted by spilling a simple chance on Tuesday when Maxwell had made just 33.

“Yeah, that loss was very disappointing for us as a team,” added Shahidi.

Shahidi said he was looking forward to facing South Africa.

The two sides have only met once before when the Proteas raced to a nine-wicket win in Cardiff at the 2019 World Cup. Afghanistan were bowled out for just 125 that day.

“We know they are a good side and they play quality cricket,” said Shahidi. “We will play to our own strengths and our own quality of cricket.

“Tomorrow our focus will be the same -- that if we do well, we can beat any team.”

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2023