Afghanistan Clinch Historic Series Victory Over South Africa with Dominant 177-Run Win in Sharjah
Afghanistan Clinch Historic Series Victory Over South Africa with Dominant 177-Run Win in Sharjah: Afghanistan secured an emphatic victory over South Africa on Friday, winning the second one-day international by a massive 177 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The win in Sharjah was highlighted by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s record-setting century and a superb bowling performance from Rashid Khan, who celebrated his 26th birthday by taking five wickets.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Afghanistan capitalized on a flat Sharjah track, posting a commanding total of 311-4 from their 50 overs. Leading the charge was opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who became Afghanistan’s most prolific century-maker in ODIs, smashing his seventh ton. Gurbaz’s 105 off 110 balls was the backbone of Afghanistan’s innings, and he reached his hundred with a sweep behind square leg after a few nervous overs in the 90s.
Gurbaz’s century was well-supported by an explosive unbeaten knock of 86 from Azmatullah Omarzai, who powered his side towards the end of the innings. Omarzai’s 50-ball innings included six towering sixes as South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain him in the heat. Earlier, Rahmat Shah chipped in with 50 before he was stumped off debutant spinner Nqabayomzi Peter.
In reply, South Africa got off to a positive start, with captain Temba Bavuma, returning from illness, and opener Tony de Zorzi putting together a solid 73-run stand for the first wicket. However, once Bavuma was dismissed, caught by Mohammad Nabi off Omarzai’s bouncer for 30, South Africa’s innings quickly unraveled.
The star of the Afghan bowling attack was Rashid Khan, who turned the game in his team’s favor with a birthday special. Overcoming a hamstring niggle, Khan bowled with precision, taking 5-19 in nine overs and breaking the backbone of the South African batting lineup. Left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote provided strong support, cleaning up the tail with figures of 4-26, as South Africa crumbled for just 134 in 29.2 overs.
The victory sealed a historic series win for Afghanistan, who claimed their first-ever triumph over South Africa when they won the opening ODI by six wickets earlier in the week. Friday’s dominant performance added further weight to Afghanistan’s growing stature in international cricket, as they continue to prove themselves as a formidable side in the one-day format.
With this win, Afghanistan has taken an unbeatable 2-0 lead, leaving South Africa to reflect on two tough losses as they prepare for the final game of the series.
