South Africa secured a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the third and final ODI in Sharjah, avoiding a clean sweep after being outplayed in the first two matches. Chasing a modest target of 170, South Africa’s Aiden Markram played a steady innings, guiding his team to victory with an unbeaten 69. His partnership with Tristan Stubbs, who contributed 26*, helped the Proteas stabilize after a brief wobble at 80-3, as they reached their target in 33 overs.
This win marks South Africa’s ninth successful chase in 22 matches since 2021, bringing a positive close to a series dominated by Afghanistan’s earlier victories.
Afghanistan Falter with the Bat
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Afghanistan struggled to maintain momentum, largely due to their own batting blunders and some excellent South African fielding. Despite a fighting 94-ball 89 from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan were bowled out for 169 in 34 overs. Gurbaz, who has been the standout performer throughout the series, once again anchored the Afghan innings, but his teammates failed to provide adequate support.
The top-order collapse saw three of Afghanistan’s top five run-outs, a reflection of their disorganized running between the wickets. Key batsmen Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Ikram Alikhil all perished in calamitous fashion, derailing Afghanistan’s hopes of posting a competitive total.
Debutant Abdul Malik was the first to go, falling to Lungi Ngidi’s consistent line and length. The real turning point came when Ngidi’s sharp fielding led to the run-out of Rahmat Shah, a moment that swung the momentum in South Africa’s favor.
Afghanistan’s middle and lower-order offered little resistance, with only No. 9 AM Ghazanfar contributing a spirited 31* off 15 balls. His late cameo, which included some clean hitting, provided Afghanistan with a glimmer of hope, but ultimately their 169-run total proved insufficient.
South Africa’s Bowlers Shine
South Africa’s bowling unit, led by Ngidi and Bjorn Fortuin, played a pivotal role in restricting Afghanistan. Ngidi’s early strikes and Fortuin’s tidy spells, combined with the pressure applied in the field, ensured that Afghanistan never found their rhythm. Andile Phehlukwayo chipped in with two crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Gurbaz, whose dismissal effectively ended Afghanistan’s innings.
Nqaba Peter, South Africa’s legspinner, also made his mark, picking up the key wicket of Azmatullah Omarzai and contributing to a disciplined all-round bowling effort.
Markram and Stubbs Steer the Chase
South Africa’s chase started cautiously, with captain Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi navigating a testing opening spell from Afghanistan’s left-arm pacer Naveed Zadran. Both Bavuma and de Zorzi got starts but couldn’t convert them into big scores. Bavuma was bowled by Ghazanfar after misjudging a delivery, while de Zorzi fell lbw to Mohammad Nabi after surviving a couple of dropped catches.
Reeza Hendricks’ lean run in the series continued, as he was dismissed for a third score under 20, leaving South Africa at a shaky 80-3.
However, Markram, displaying great composure, took control of the chase. His experience and careful shot selection kept the scoreboard ticking. Alongside the young Tristan Stubbs, Markram guided South Africa home with a 90-run unbroken partnership. Stubbs, playing in just his fourth ODI, was instrumental in supporting Markram, ensuring there were no further slip-ups as they built their stand gradually, picking the right moments to attack.
Markram’s aggression against spin, particularly in taking on Nabi, highlighted his intent. His two sixes off the spinner lifted South Africa’s momentum and quelled any pressure Afghanistan attempted to exert. Markram brought up his half-century off 54 balls and remained unbeaten on 69 from 67 deliveries, hitting the winning runs and sealing South Africa’s victory.
Afghanistan Miss Rashid Khan
Afghanistan’s bowling attack was not at full strength, missing the services of star legspinner Rashid Khan, who was rested after tweaking his hamstring in the second ODI. Fazalhaq Farooqi, their premier fast bowler, was also rested, leaving Afghanistan with a less threatening attack.
Despite some spirited efforts from Naveed Zadran and Ghazanfar, Afghanistan could not replicate the dominance they showed in the first two matches, and their lack of depth was exposed.
South Africa will take some solace from their performance in the final ODI after a disappointing series overall. Markram’s innings was a reminder of his value to the team, while Stubbs’ calmness under pressure bodes well for South Africa’s future. Afghanistan, despite losing the third match, will be buoyed by their historic series win but will be left to ponder what might have been had they finished stronger in the final game.
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