Cricket: South Africa cruise past Afghanistan

BRIDGETOWN - Fast bowler Morne Morkel claimed 4-20 as South Africa beat Afghanistan by 59 runs to advance to the Super Eights stage at the World Twenty20.

The Afghanistan top order collapsed early before it was dismissed for a total of 80 runs from 16 overs in reply to South Africa's 139-7.

Paceman Dale Steyn dismissed Noor Ali for a duck and Mohammad Shahzad for two, both caught behind by wicketkeeper Mark Boucher.

Man of the match Morkel continued the rout, claiming three wickets from his first over. The lanky bowler had Afghanistan captain Nowroz Mangal edged to first slip for 1, Karim Sadiq caught at backward point for 2 and Raees Ahmadzai caught behind off a top-edged for 4.

- AP