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AFG vs SA: Afghanistan has added a remarkable chapter to its cricket history by claiming its first ODI series win against South Africa. On September 20 Hashmatullah Shahidi and his team achieved this milestone with a stunning 177-run victory at Sharjah Cricket Stadium taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Rashid Khan celebrating his 26th birthday had an unforgettable day shining with the ball as he delivered exceptional figures of 5 wickets for just 19 runs. South Africa chasing a target of 312 needed to break the West Indies long-standing record for the highest successful run chase in Sharjah set at 285 in 1993. they faltered under pressure collapsing for just 134 runs in 34.2 overs.
Gurbaz, Omarzai take charge
Afghanistan set a formidable target of 311 runs after choosing to bat first in their recent ODI against South Africa. The opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Riaz Hassan established a solid foundation with an 88-run partnership. Hassan contributed 29 runs. while Gurbaz continued to shine scoring his seventh ODI century and breaking Mohammad Shahzad record for the most centuries by an Afghan batter.
Rahmat Shah provided further support with a valuable 50 runs. After Gurbaz was dismissed for 105 which included 10 fours and three sixes Azmatullah Omarzai unleashed a powerful innings hitting five fours and six sixes to finish with an explosive 86 runs off just 50 balls. For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Nqaba Peter and Aiden Markram each took one wicket. Left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin didn’t take any wickets but was economical conceding only 39 runs in his 10 overs.
Rashid Khan wreaks havoc
South Africa started their chase on a positive note with skipper Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi forming a solid opening partnership of 73 runs in 14 overs. the innings took a turn when Azmatullah Omarzai dismissed Bavuma for 38, triggering a dramatic collapse. The Proteas lost 10 wickets for just 61 runs over the next 20.1 overs.
Rashid Khan was devastating, claiming the wickets of De Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder making him the first bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul on his birthday. Nangeyalia Kharote also shone with the ball finishing with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 26 runs in 6.2 overs. He sealed the match by dismissing Lungi Ngidi leading Afghanistan to a historic victory.
AFG vs SA: Afghanistan Strong Start with the Bat
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Afghanistan openers set a strong foundation for their innings. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the standout performer anchoring the innings with a superb century. He scored 105 runs off 110 balls featuring 10 fours and 3 sixes. Gurbaz played with a blend of aggression and patience creating the perfect platform for a formidable total.
Riaz Hassan supported him well at the start contributing 29 runs off 45 balls. Although he fell early his partnership with Gurbaz helped Afghanistan get off to a solid beginning. Coming in at number three Rahmat Shah added a valuable 50 runs from 66 balls maintaining the momentum despite South Africa efforts to break through.
The real fireworks came from Azmatullah Omarzai whose explosive 86 not out off just 50 balls took Afghanistan to a commanding total. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting including 5 fours and 6 sixes and he finished with an impressive strike rate of 172. Omarzai aggressive approach made it tough for South African bowlers to contain the runs helping Afghanistan finish at 311/4 in their 50 overs.
South Africa bowlers struggled throughout the innings with Lungi Ngidi being the most effective finishing with figures of 1/50 in his 10 overs. Nandre Burger and Nqabayomzi Peter each took a wicket but conceded 68 runs. Bjorn Fortuin was economical giving away only 39 runs in his 10 overs but he did not take any wickets.
AFG vs SA: Rashid Khan Bowling Masterclass
Chasing a challenging target of 312 South Africa innings struggled to find any momentum. Rashid Khan delivered an exceptional performance claiming 5 wickets for just 19 runs in 9 overs. His incisive bowling dismantled South Africa middle and lower order leaving them with no realistic chance of reaching the target.
The openers Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi managed a cautious start scoring 38 off 47 and 31 off 44 respectively. once Rashid was introduced South Africa faced a dramatic collapse. Aiden Markram who is usually adept against spin could only manage 21 runs off 30 balls struggling to cope with Rashid skill. The middle order crumbled under pressure with Tristan Stubbs (5 off 6), Kyle Verreynne (2 off 2) and Wiaan Mulder (2 off 7) all falling cheaply. Ultimately the tail offered little resistance and South Africa was bowled out for just 134 in 34.2 overs.
Nangeyalia Kharote provided strong support to Rashid finishing with 4 wickets for 26 runs in 6.2 overs. His ability to generate sharp turn and bounce troubled the South African batters throughout their innings. Azmatullah Omarzai fresh from his earlier heroics with the bat chipped in as well taking 1 wicket for 17 runs in 3 overs.
AFG vs SA: Afghanistan dominance in the ODI series
With this emphatic victory, Afghanistan clinched the three-match series having already secured the first ODI by 6 wickets. This win is a significant milestone for Afghanistan specially given the strength of the South African team. Rashid Khan rightfully earned the Player of the Match award for his outstanding bowling performance.
This triumph underscores Afghanistan rising profile in world cricket. Their potent top-order batting combined with a world-class spin attack makes them a formidable opponent, particularly in conditions that favor spin. The leadership of captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and the contributions from key players like Gurbaz, Omarzai, and Rashid have been crucial to their success. the two victories already in hand, Afghanistan will aim for a clean sweep in the third and final ODI scheduled for Sunday, September 22 at the same venue. the South Africa will be looking to salvage some pride and avoid a whitewash.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz sets up the foundation for Afghanistan
Following their setback in the first match South Africa was anticipated to make a strong comeback in the second ODI. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Rahmanullah Gurbaz stepped up with a calm and composed performance scoring a stunning century. His 105 runs off 110 balls set a solid foundation for the middle order to take advantage and attack the South African bowlers.
Azmatullah Omarzai with the finishing touches
Rahmat Shah(50 off 66) made a valuable contribution before Azmatullah Omarzai took over. The Afghan all-rounder played a power-packed knock of 86 runs from 50 deliveries. Omarzai decorated his innings with five fours and six maximums. Fuelled by these performances Afghanistan managed to post a formidable 311/4 at the end of their 50 overs.
AFG vs SA: Nangeyalia Kharote Combines with Rashid Khan to Destroy the South African Batting
Rashid Khan and the young talent Nangeyalia Kharote teamed up to trigger a dramatic collapse in the South African batting lineup. The Proteas lost ten wickets for just 61 runs ultimately being bowled out for only 134 in the 35th over. Afghanistan secured a convincing victory by 177 runs taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Rashid Khan was named Player of the Match for his outstanding spell claiming 5 wickets for just 19 runs in 9 overs. Nangeyalia Kharote provided excellent support finishing with 4 wickets for 26 runs in 6.2 overs. This victory marks Afghanistan first series win in international cricket against South Africa a significant achievement considering South Africa reputation as one of the stronger teams in the world. This milestone will undoubtedly be etched in the history of Afghan cricket.