MUMBAI: AB de Villiers announced himself at the World Twenty20 with a swashbuckling 64 and made Afghanistan pay heavily for dropping him twice as South Africa revived their campaign with a 37-run victory at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

Unable to defend a target of 230 runs against England two days ago at the same ground, South Africa chose to bat first after winning the toss and racked up a total of 209 for five in their 20 overs.

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• De Villiers propels South Africa to 209 against Afghanistan

The plucky Afghans came out all guns blazing in their assault on the target with the diminutive Mohammad Shahzad leading the charge with 44 off 19 balls.

Shahzad, who hit five sixes and three fours, tore into paceman Kyle Abbott in the second over and took 22 runs off him as Afghanistan made a strong start.

Rashid was the unfortunate bowler who suffered most from De Villiers's onslaught as the batsman plundered 29 runs in the 17th over with four sixes and a boundary to race past his fifty in 24 deliveries.

De Villiers added 76 for the fourth wicket with left-hander JP Duminy (29 not out), who guided South Africa past the 200-run mark with David Miller (19).

Afghanistan, who also lost their opening match against defending champions Sri Lanka, have little chance to advance past the Super 10 stage after their second loss.