South Africa Frustrated by Afghanistan’s Bowlers in ODI Series Opener

In a dramatic start to the one-day international (ODI) series in Sharjah, Afghanistan‘s bowling attack proved too much for South Africa to handle. Despite South Africa avoiding their lowest-ever ODI score, they were nonetheless bowled out for a mere 106 runs in the first ODI against Afghanistan on Wednesday.

With South African captain Temba Bavuma absent due to illness, Aiden Markram stepped in to lead the team. After winning the toss, Markram opted to bat first. However, the decision quickly turned precarious as South African wickets began to fall swiftly. The innings started with Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi securing 17 runs for the first wicket, but it was quick to unravel when Fazhalhaq Farooqi, Afghanistan’s left-arm pacer, bowled Hendricks out for just 9 runs.

Following Hendricks’ departure, Afghanistan capitalized, reducing South Africa to a precarious 36-7. Despite a late resurgence by Wiaan Mulder and Bjorn Fortuin, who formed a crucial eighth-wicket partnership adding 39 runs, South Africa barely surpassed the 100-run mark.

Afghanistan’s bowling line-up featured the return of their prominent spinner, Rashid Khan, who had not played an ODI since the previous World Cup. Together with a team composed of three additional spinners, Afghanistan looks poised with a unit that continues to challenge and incision in ODI cricket.

For South Africa, Aiden Markram led a starting XI that included openers Tony de Zorzi and Reeza Hendricks, along with Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, and debutant Jason Smith in the middle order. The bowling armory featured Bjorn Fortuin selected over legspinner Nqaba Peter, and a quartet of seamers ready to support the innings.

As both teams continue with this series in Sharjah, fans globally are eager to see how the challenging conditions and tactical decisions shape further encounters. This ODI series marks a unique and testing ground for the players as South Africa takes on Afghanistan outside of World Cup fixtures.