Afghanistan Clinch Historic Series Win Over South Africa in Sharjah

In a significant triumph for Afghan cricket, Afghanistan secured their first series win against a top-five ICC-ranked team by defeating South Africa with a convincing 177-run victory in the second One Day International (ODI) held in Sharjah on Friday.

Winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat, posting a formidable total of 311 runs for four wickets. The innings was headlined by a superb century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 105 runs. Gurbaz’s knock was supported by Azmatullah Omarzai, who remained unbeaten at 86, and Rahmat Shah, who contributed 50 runs. “The wicket was not easy to bat, but we managed it really well,” Gurbaz said in a post-match interaction.

South Africa, chasing a target of 312, faced difficulty from the onset. Their innings closed at 134 runs in the 35th over, courtesy of a stunning bowling performance by Rashid Khan, who took five wickets for just 19 runs. “It was a challenging target on this pitch, particularly against a keen Afghan spin attack,” said Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s captain, after the match.

Afghanistan’s bowlers, particularly Rashid and left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote, who took four wickets for 26 runs, capitalized on South Africa’s vulnerability against spin. The match witnessed a South African collapse, which saw the team lose ten wickets for 61 runs. “The conditions were conducive for our bowlers, and they executed their plans perfectly,” noted Afghanistan’s captain.

South Africa began their chase with an opening partnership of 73 runs between Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi, but their middle-order failed to capitalize. After Bavuma’s departure, caught for 38, Rashid Khan’s introduction to the attack triggered a dramatic downfall. Following Rashid’s efforts, Afghan bowlers tightened pressure, limiting South African scoring opportunities.

Reflecting on the win, Afghanistan’s players celebrated a significant milestone in their cricketing history, lauding their combined team effort in both batting and bowling departments. The unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series adds to Afghanistan’s growing reputation in international cricket.