Afganistan National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket team

Gurbaz and Rashid lead Afghanistan to first ODI series win against South Africa

Afghanistan's greatest victory in ODI cricket history came from a 177-run thrashing of South Africa, which was capped off by a scorching 86* from Azmatullah Omarzai, nine wickets split by Rashid Khan and Nangeyalia Kharote, and a seventh ODI century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Afghanistan increased their lead over South Africa after posting a commanding 311 runs, while the two spinners dismissed them for a just 134 runs in reply, enabling their team to win the three-match series 2-0 in Sharjah.

Afghanistan chose to go first on a decent batting track. Gurbazz chose to put the pressure on South African pacers after a conservative opening four overs. He took on Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger for ten and eleven runs respectively, scoring a six and three boundaries in total off of them.

In an attempt to slow down the proceedings, South Africa quickly introduced spin, but Gurbaz simply got more assured with every delivery and hit a 56-ball half-century shortly after the drinks break. But in the eighteenth over, Aiden Markram struck at the other end, trapping Riaz Hassan leg before wicket on 29 to break the crucial opening stand of 88. It took Rahmat a few overs to get his bearings, and the pair at the second wicket quickly added to the total. Afghanistan quickly added 58 runs, scoring at least a boundary in each of the next seven overs, which included two maximums from Gurbaz.

In an effort to stop the runs from flowing, South Africa returned to Ngidi and even burned a hasty review in an attempt to remove Gurbaz. Two overs later, the opener reached triple figures after a sweep by Markram to deep square leg. But the joys were fleeting, as Burger promptly put an end to a nice knock by cleaning him up.

The South African openers got off to a good start, with Tony de Zorzi leading the way in a 73-run partnership that lasted 14 overs and gave the Africans a strong foundation. The much-needed breakthrough was given by Azmatullah, and that let the water pour in. By the eighteenth over, South Africa could barely muster an 83/1 when Rashid joined the fray and eliminated the other set batter as well. Kharote's beautiful ball was too much for Reeza Hendricks to handle, as the left-arm spinner also scored runs in his opening over. After then, things went downhill quickly.