Ryan Rickelton scored his maiden one-day international century as South Africa claimed a comfortable 107-run win over Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy.
After opting to bat first, the Proteas posted 315-6 with left-hander Rickelton making 103 from 106 balls at the top of the order and Temba Bavuma (58), Rassie van der Dussen (52) and Aiden Markram (52) scoring half-centuries.
It proved far too many for Afghanistan, who lost wickets at regular intervals and slumped to 208 all out in 43.3 overs.
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was particularly impressive for South Africa with figures of 3-36, while Rahmat Shah was the only batter to provide any real resistance with a knock of 90 from 92 balls.
He was the last man out, edging behind to Rickelton off Rabada as South Africa wrapped up a convincing win to take a step towards the semi-finals.
The Proteas were in control from ball one with Rickelton showing a calm assuredness throughout his innings.
He and Bavuma put on 129 for the second wicket before Van der Dussen and Markram took over in the latter stages with Afghanistan unable to assert much real pressure at any point.
Losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz early in the chase seemed to drain Jonathan Trott’s men of all belief and despite Rahmat’s best efforts, the result was beyond doubt long before Rabada took the final wicket. (BBC)
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