World Cup: Win Too Late, Too Little Consolation For South Africa

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 23: Faf du Plessis of South Africa hits a boundary during the Group Stage match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between Pakistan and South Africa at Lords on June 23, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

South Africa’s emphatic win against Sri Lanka in their Cricket World Cup match at Chester-le-Street on Friday has come as a consolation, but too late and too little. The Proteas were already eliminated, and this was just their second victory in the competition.

Earlier, a second-wicket partnership of 175 between Hashim Amla (80*) and Faf du Plessis with an unbeaten 96 guided South Africa to a nine-wicket victory with 76 balls to spare.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals were dented by the thrashing loss.

Victory would have taken Sri Lanka level on points with fourth-placed England, but they stay in seventh.

No Sri Lankan player scored more than 30 as they were bowled out for a turgid 203 in the final over of their innings.

Sri Lanka remain two points behind England and it is likely they will have to win both of their remaining matches, including beating unbeaten India, and hope other results go in their favour if they are to overtake England.

For England, the biggest threats to the semi-finals are now likely to be Pakistan and Bangladesh, with the former playing Afghanistan on Saturday.