SHARJA, (TDI): Afghanistan triumphed over South Africa in the second ODI of their three-match series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, marking their first-ever series win against the Proteas.
Led by Rashid Khan’s spectacular birthday performance of five wickets for just 19 runs, Afghanistan secured a commanding 177-run victory, bringing the series score to 2-0.
This follows Afghanistan’s historic first-ever win over South Africa in the series opener earlier on Wednesday.
The South African batting lineup faltered dramatically, collapsing from 102 for 2 to 112 all out, resulting in their fifth-largest defeat by runs.
Afghanistan’s batting was bolstered by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored his seventh ODI century, alongside Rahmat Shah’s half-century and Azmatullah Omarzai’s rapid 86 off just 50 balls.
Batting first under the scorching Sharjah sun, with temperatures feeling like the late 40s Celsius, Afghanistan established a solid foundation.
Gurbaz and Riaz Hassan opened with an impressive 88-run partnership, followed by a 101-run stand between Gurbaz and Shah.
While South Africa’s spinners, particularly Bjorn Fortuin and Aiden Markram, managed to restrict runs, the Afghan batsmen capitalized on the pace bowlers’ mistakes.
Gurbaz started aggressively, hitting a massive six off Lungi Ngidi and quickly reaching a run-a-ball 24.
After a brief lull, he surged again to reach his century, celebrating emotionally by dropping to his knees in prayer and blowing a kiss to the crowd.
His innings of 104 ended when he was bowled by a Burger delivery.
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Omarzai’s late flourish propelled Afghanistan past 300, as he scored his fifty in just 32 balls and finished unbeaten.
Rashid Khan, despite nursing a hamstring concern, contributed to the total before taking the new ball.
In South Africa’s chase, a promising start from captain Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi quickly deteriorated.
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Rashid’s introduction triggered a dramatic collapse, with South Africa losing their last eight wickets for just 10 runs.
His deadly spin dismantled the batting order, leaving South Africa reeling.
The match concluded with South Africa bowled out in just over 20 overs, a stunning end to a day dominated by Afghanistan, who now lead the series 2-0 with one match remaining.
