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Farooqi’s Magic as Afghanistan Secure Historic First Win Over South Africa in Sharjah
Afghanistan Achieves Historic Victory Over South Africa, Registers First-Ever ODI Win
Afghanistan stuns South Africa in a low-scoring thriller as they claimed their first-ever ODI victory over the Proteas on Wednesday (September 18) in Sharjah. In a remarkable bowling performance, Afghanistan dismantled South Africa’s batting order to secure a memorable six-wicket win. Despite having faced South Africa five times previously without a single win, Afghanistan turned the tables with an outstanding effort, reminiscent of the bowling collapse they suffered against the same opponents in the recent T20 World Cup semifinal.
South Africa’s innings fell apart dramatically, with Fazalhaq Farooqi leading the attack and leaving them struggling at 36/7 after just 10 overs. Wiaan Mulder’s fighting half-century helped South Africa recover slightly and get past the 100-run mark. While Afghanistan experienced some hiccups in their run chase, Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai held their nerves to secure the historic win. With this result, Afghanistan has now achieved victories over every full-member nation in international cricket, except for India.
Afghanistan’s Bowlers Dominate South Africa
The tone was set early by Afghanistan, with Fazalhaq Farooqi removing Reeza Hendricks in the opening exchanges and continuing to dismantle South Africa’s top order. Farooqi returned to dismiss South Africa captain Aiden Markram in his next over before Tony de Zorzi fell attempting an ill-fated pull shot. Young off-spinner Allah Ghazanfar then put the game firmly in Afghanistan’s control with a sensational double-wicket maiden, sending both Tristan Stubbs and debutant Jason Smith back to the pavilion for ducks. By the end of 10 overs, South Africa found themselves in deep trouble at 36/7.
Wiaan Mulder and Bjorn Fortuin fought back for the Proteas with a gritty partnership. Mulder took the lead, reaching a well-constructed fifty, while Fortuin played a supporting role before being dismissed by Rashid Khan. Mulder’s resistance allowed South Africa to scrape their way to 106 before they were bowled out in 33.3 overs, with Farooqi ending with figures of 4/35, while Ghazanfar shone with 3/20.
Afghanistan Hold Nerve in Tricky Chase
Chasing 107, Afghanistan’s run chase started on a nervy note when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed in the very first over. Bjorn Fortuin and Markram kept things tight for South Africa, dismissing Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi, respectively, leaving Afghanistan under pressure at 60/4.
However, Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib steadied the ship. Omarzai provided crucial relief with two big sixes, while Gulbadin Naib anchored the chase. The experienced all-rounder unleashed his aggression late in the innings, hitting consecutive sixes off Nandre Burger and targeting Andile Phehlukwayo to close out the match. Gulbadin’s unbeaten 34 off 28 balls ensured Afghanistan crossed the finish line in 26 overs, sealing their six-wicket victory and making history in the process.
Brief Scores:
South Africa 106 in 33.3 overs (Wiaan Mulder 52; Fazalhaq Farooqi 4/35, Allah Ghazanfar 3/20)
Afghanistan 107/4 in 26 overs (Gulbadin Naib 34*, Azmatullah Omarzai 23*; Bjorn Fortuin 2/22)
Result: Afghanistan won by six wickets
