Afghanistan secured their first-ever bilateral series win over a top-five ICC-ranked team with a comprehensive 177-run victory over South Africa in the second ODI in Sharjah. The win, which gives Afghanistan a 2-0 lead with one match remaining, was powered by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s century and Rashid Khan’s five-wicket haul on his 26th birthday.
Afghanistan set a daunting total of 311-4, thanks to Gurbaz’s 105, his seventh ODI century, and Azmatullah Omarzai’s explosive unbeaten 86 off 50 balls. In response, South Africa collapsed dramatically, losing all ten wickets for just 61 runs to be bowled out for 134 in the 35th over. It was South Africa’s fifth-biggest defeat by runs in ODI cricket.
Afghanistan’s Dominant Batting Display
After choosing to bat, Afghanistan’s openers, Gurbaz and Riaz Hassan, set a solid foundation with an 88-run partnership. Hassan was dismissed by Aiden Markram for 29, but Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah (50) continued to build, adding 101 for the second wicket. Gurbaz was the star of the show, smashing 10 fours and three sixes before he was bowled by Nandre Burger after spending 18 tense deliveries in the 90s.
The innings gained further momentum in the final 10 overs, driven by Omarzai’s blistering knock. He raced to his half-century off just 32 balls, hammering six sixes, as Afghanistan added 93 runs in the last ten overs to reach 311-4. Omarzai’s partnership with Mohammad Nabi (55 off 40) provided the finishing flourish, leaving South Africa with an uphill task.
Rashid Khan and Kharote Dominate with the Ball
South Africa’s chase started promisingly with a 73-run opening stand between Temba Bavuma (38) and Tony de Zorzi (31), but once Bavuma was caught off Omarzai, the innings unraveled quickly. Rashid Khan, bowling on his birthday, was introduced in the 18th over and immediately made an impact. He dismissed de Zorzi and then sparked a dramatic collapse, taking 5-19 in nine overs. His effort, supported by rookie left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote, who took 4-26, completely dismantled South Africa’s middle and lower order.
Once Bavuma and de Zorzi departed, South Africa’s batsmen struggled to handle Afghanistan’s spinners. Reeza Hendricks, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne all fell to spin, with Kharote and Rashid combining to take eight wickets between them. South Africa’s tail offered little resistance, with Aiden Markram (27) the last to fall as Rashid claimed his fifth wicket with a googly.
Afghanistan’s Historic Series Win
This victory marks Afghanistan’s most significant achievement in bilateral ODI cricket, cementing their status as an emerging force in the international game. The Afghans showcased their depth and quality in all departments, with Gurbaz’s century, Omarzai’s explosive finish, and Rashid Khan’s five-wicket haul playing pivotal roles in the win.
For South Africa, the loss raises serious questions about their preparation and depth, particularly in handling spin. The Proteas will need to regroup quickly if they hope to salvage some pride in the final match of the series, with Afghanistan looking to complete a whitewash.
Match Highlights:
- Afghanistan 311-4 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 105, Azmatullah Omarzai 86*, Rahmat Shah 50; Lungi Ngidi 1-60)
- South Africa 134 all out (Temba Bavuma 38, Tony de Zorzi 31; Rashid Khan 5-19, Nangeyalia Kharote 4-26)
- Afghanistan win by 177 runs
With the series wrapped up, Afghanistan will aim for a clean sweep in the third and final ODI on Sunday in Sharjah.
Leave a Reply