South Africa warm-up for Cricket World Cup semi-final with victory over Afghanistan

South Africa warmed-up for their World Cup semi-final with a five-wicket victory over Afghanistan after Rassie van der Dussen led the charge in the run-chase in Ahmedabad.

Van der Dussen struck an unbeaten 76 as the Proteas chased down a target of 245 with 15 balls remaining after Afghanistan were bowled out for 244 earlier in the day.

The Proteas number three was involved in two important partnerships in the middle of the innings, exacytly 50 with Aiden Markram (25) and 43 with David Miller (24).

The contest was sealed though when Van der Dussen found a partner in Andile Phehlukwayo (39 not out) that stuck around with him until the end as pair added 65.

Gerald Coetzee was earlier the pick of the Proteas' bowlers as Afghanistan were bowled out sub-par total on a good pitch.

The fast bowler finished with figures of 4-44 as the Asian team could not capitalise on a fighting knock of 97 not out from middle-order batter Azmatullah Omarzai.

Having reached 41 without loss, Afghanistan quickly slipped to 45-3, and it was then 116-6 before the final ball saw Naveen-ul-Haq ousted as the 10th wicket.

The was also two wickets apiece for spinner Keshav Maharaj and seamer Lungi Nigdi.

While the second-placed Proteas will now prepare to take on Australia next Thursday in Kolkata, Afghanistan, in sixth, can reflect on a highly creditable campaign in which they beat England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands and gave Australia a major scare.

READ MORE: Sri Lanka's membership with ICC suspended because of 'government interference'