Afghanistan secured a historic win in their one day international series against South Africa on Friday, claiming the series with one match left to play. Their massive 177-run win the largest in their ODI history came just two days after their first ever victory over South Africa.
Gurbaz and Rashid Shine
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s century, where he scored 105 runs, made him the first Afghan player to achieve seven ODI centuries. Afghanistan posted an impressive total of 311-4 in the intense heat, and South Africa was bowled out for just 134 runs in 35 overs.
Rashid Khan, despite injuring his hamstring while batting, celebrated his 26th birthday in style by taking 5 wickets for 19 runs. Spinner Nangeyalia Kharote also contributed with 4 wickets for 26 runs. Afghanistan is now aiming for a clean sweep in the final ODI on Sunday.
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Rashid Khan’s Determination
“I hurt my hamstring, but I gave my best for the team,” Rashid said. “Winning the series against a big team like South Africa is a great moment for us. It’s exciting to see young players like Kharote and Ghazanfar performing well on the big stage.”
Strong Batting Performance
Gurbaz, along with Azmatullah Omarzai, helped Afghanistan reach their first-ever 300+ score against South Africa in an ODI. Gurbaz partnered with Rahmat Shah to put up 101 runs for the second wicket. Although Gurbaz had some nervous moments in the 90s, he completed his century by sweeping Aiden Markram for four and celebrated with a heart-shaped gesture toward his teammates.
Gurbaz eventually got out for 105, but Omarzai stepped up, smashing 86* off 50 balls. Shah also contributed with 50 off 66 deliveries, and Afghanistan added 93 runs in the last 10 overs.
Captain’s Delight
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi praised his team’s performance: “We’re so happy for our nation. The way Gurbaz, Rahmat, and Omarzai batted was excellent. I always trust our spinners to perform, and they delivered today.”
South Africa’s Struggles
South Africa’s bowlers had a hard time in the humid conditions. Only spinners Fortuin and Markram managed to keep Afghanistan’s batters quiet for a short period, giving up 59 runs in their 14 overs combined.
South Africa began their chase well, with captain Temba Bavuma scoring 38 and adding 73 runs for the opening wicket with Tony de Zorzi, who made 31. However, after Bavuma was dismissed by Omarzai, South Africa’s batting collapsed.
The Proteas lost seven wickets for just 39 runs before Rashid Khan completed his five-wicket haul, bowling Markram for 21. Kharote finished the job, mirroring the collapse from the first ODI when South Africa was reduced to 36-7 in the first 10 overs.
Bavuma Reflects on Defeat
“It wasn’t a good enough performance,” Bavuma admitted. “We struggled to take wickets, and Omarzai’s pressure in the middle overs hurt us. Afghanistan was simply better than us today.”
Afghanistan will now look forward to completing a series sweep in the final match.
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