T20 World Cup: Schedule | Points Table
The Afghans are under pressure after losing to New Zealand, who currently top the group with two wins, while South Africa boosted their campaign with a convincing victory over Canada.
Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan explained that the pitch at his IPL home venue traditionally assists bowlers early on and that he preferred chasing.
Both sides made tactical adjustments to their lineups — South Africa introduced left-arm spinner George Linde in place of Corbin Bosch, while Afghanistan strengthened their spin department by recalling Noor Ahmad.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Australia were set to open their campaign against Ireland, and England faced West Indies, while attention also turned to the much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash after Pakistan reversed its earlier boycott decision.
Playing XIs:
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (captain), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.
