Afghanistan claimed a historic 177-run victory over South Africa in Sharjah, thereby securing their first bilateral series win against a top-five ICC team. Furthermore, with this triumph, Afghanistan now leads the series 2-0, with one match remaining.
Afghanistan set a formidable total of 311 for 4, thanks to outstanding performances from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 105, Azmatullah Omarzai with an unbeaten 86, and Rahmat Shah, who added 50. Gurbaz’s seventh ODI century and a rapid 86 from Omarzai, who reached his half-century off just 32 balls, propelled Afghanistan to their tenth total of over 300 runs. The team accelerated in the final overs, amassing 93 runs in the last ten.
Rashid Khan, celebrating his 26th birthday, delivered a stellar bowling performance, taking 5 wickets for just 19 runs. He was well-supported by left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote, who achieved career-best figures of 4 for 26. Afghanistan’s bowling unit dominated South Africa, who faltered in their chase, collapsing from 73 for 1 to 134 all out, marking their fifth-largest defeat by runs.
South Africa’s batting lineup struggled against Afghanistan’s bowlers. Temba Bavuma top-scored with 38 runs, but his dismissal sparked a collapse as Rashid Khan wreaked havoc with his spin. The South African innings crumbled quickly, losing 10 wickets for just 61 runs. Rashid’s introduction in the 18th over turned the tide, as he dismissed Reeza Hendricks and later took key wickets, including that of Aiden Markram.
Gurbaz’s innings included a six that kicked off the Afghan innings, while his emotional celebration upon reaching his century underscored its significance. With this victory, Afghanistan has firmly established itself in the cricketing world, showcasing their growing prowess in ODI cricket.
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