Afghanistan celebrated a historic achievement on Wednesday by winning their first ODI over South Africa in Sharjah. South Africa was bowled out for a mere 106 runs in just 33.3 overs after falling to 36-7 by the 10th over. This left Afghanistan with a small target to chase.
Afghanistan’s bowlers, Fazalhaq Farooqi (4-35) and AM Ghazanfar (3-20), played a key role in dismantling the South African batting lineup, ensuring an easy path for Afghanistan to secure a six-wicket victory.
A Tough Start for Afghanistan’s Batters
Despite the low target, Afghanistan had a shaky start. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was caught at third man off Lungi Ngidi on just the third ball of the innings. Shortly after, Rahmat Shah was trapped leg before by Bjorn Fortuin, leaving Afghanistan at 15-2.
Fortuin struck again, dismissing Riaz Hassan for 16 runs. Aiden Markram, who was filling in as captain for an ill Temba Bavuma, removed Hashmatullah Shahidi. However, Azmatullah Omarzai (25 not out) and Gulbadin Naib (34 from 27 balls) ensured Afghanistan reached the target in 26 overs.
ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir vs Virat Kohli: Comparison of Legends Across All Formats
South Africa’s Struggles After Winning the Toss
Earlier, South African captain Markram won the toss and chose to bat first. Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi managed to add just 17 runs for the first wicket before Farooqi dismissed Hendricks for 9. This triggered a dramatic collapse, with South Africa tumbling to 36-7.
Farooqi continued his fine spell by taking the wickets of Markram (2) and de Zorzi (11). Ghazanfar added to South Africa’s misery by taking the wickets of Tristan Stubbs, debutant Jason Smith (both for ducks), and Kyle Verreynne (10).
South Africa Avoids Record Low, Thanks to Mulder
South Africa’s record-low ODI score of 69, set against Australia in 1993, seemed at risk when only 10 overs were bowled. However, a partnership of 39 runs between Wiaan Mulder and Fortuin helped them avoid complete disaster.
Fortuin was dismissed by Rashid Khan, who was playing his first ODI since the last World Cup. Mulder fought hard to bring South Africa past 100 and reached his first ODI fifty, scoring 52 runs from 84 balls with five boundaries and a six. He was eventually dismissed by Farooqi.
Rashid Khan ended the South African innings by trapping Ngidi leg before, finishing with figures of 2-30.
READ MORE:
