South Africa won their first match against Afghanistan without losing much sweat. Batting first they scored 315 runs with their opener Ryan Rickelton scoring a century and three of their middle order batsmen scoring fifties. In response, Afghanistan never really got going and in the end managed to score only 208 to loose their first game of champions trophy by 107 runs.

In the IL Master group, The Veteran after having wooden spoon in the very first match, finally managed to came back to top. It was not very convincing though. The whole of second innings and a part of innings the Dude and him were fighting neck to neck. In the end with some luck the Veteran managed to scrape though. Hope that luck stays with him for future games. Congratulations for today’s match.

The second came the Dude. Interestingly, the Dude’s captain came out to be one of his back up players and that back up player was the highest scorer. The Dude as we know, unlike other masters play with casual efficiency. For him the joy of the game is more than the joy of the win. That does not mean he is any less expert than the other masters. And so he proves now and again by winning. This time he came out just a few points short. So, better luck best time but congratulations.

The wooden spoon of the match went to Mr Man. Mr Man’s performance so far is like a pendulam. In the first match he was second last, in the second he was second from top and in this match he was the last. Following this pattern he should be at the top in the next match. Best of luck for that.

After first match,

Winners

1. The Dark Horse – 2
2. The Veteran – 1

Highest total Score

1. The Dark Horse – 3061

Wooden Spoons

1. The Veteran – 1
2. The Bond – 1
3. Mr. Man – 1