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Afghanistan’s Dominant Victory Over South Africa in Historic Win
Afghanistan Makes ODI History with Gurbaz’s Century and Rashid Khan’s Five-Wicket Haul
Afghanistan achieved their most significant ODI win in cricket history as they thrashed South Africa by 177 runs in the second match of the three-game series in Sharjah, sealing the series 2-0. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s sensational seventh ODI hundred set the stage, followed by a blistering unbeaten 86 from Azmatullah Omarzai. The spinners, Rashid Khan and Nangeyalia Kharote, completed the rout by claiming nine wickets between them, dismissing South Africa for just 134 in response to Afghanistan’s formidable total of 311/4.
Gurbaz’s Ton Anchors Afghanistan’s Innings
On a favorable batting wicket, Afghanistan chose to bat first. After a watchful start during the first few overs, Rahmanullah Gurbaz unleashed a flurry of attacking shots, particularly targeting South African pacers Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger. In quick succession, he struck a six and several boundaries, shifting the momentum in Afghanistan’s favor early in the innings.
Attempting to slow down the scoring, South Africa introduced spin into the attack. However, Gurbaz remained unfazed, crafting a well-paced innings and reaching his half-century off 56 balls just after the drinks break. His opening partner, Riaz Hassan, fell for 29 as Aiden Markram trapped him LBW, breaking the vital 88-run opening stand.
After Hassan’s departure, Gurbaz continued his aggressive approach, finding the boundary consistently and propelling the run rate. He brought up his seventh ODI century with a fine sweep shot off Markram, a moment that marked his dominance over the Proteas’ bowling attack. However, his fine innings was cut short soon after as Burger cleaned him up, dismissing him for 105.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s Late-Order Assault
Rahmat Shah, who had taken his time to settle, contributed with a well-compiled 50 off 63 deliveries before being stumped, but Azmatullah Omarzai stole the show with a power-hitting display in the final overs. Initially pacing his innings at a run-a-ball, Azmatullah switched gears as Afghanistan looked to accelerate in the slog overs. Smashing six maximums, he took full advantage of some lackluster death bowling, particularly targeting Nqaba Peter while also punishing Ngidi and Burger. His unbeaten 86 from just 50 balls powered Afghanistan to a towering total of 311/4.
South Africa’s Batting Collapse Under Spin Pressure
In reply, South Africa’s openers made a steady start, putting up a 73-run stand in the first 14 overs, with Tony de Zorzi playing the aggressor. But Azmatullah’s breakthrough in the 15th over opened the floodgates for Afghanistan. Rashid Khan and Nangeyalia Kharote then took control, with Rashid claiming the crucial wicket of the set batter de Zorzi. Kharote soon joined the action, deceiving Reeza Hendricks with a turning delivery that cleaned him up.
From 83/1 in the 18th over, South Africa’s innings spiraled into chaos. Rashid delivered a double-wicket blow, sending back Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne in quick succession, leaving the Proteas reeling at 107/5. South Africa never recovered as Rashid and Kharote continued to apply relentless pressure, strangling their run chase.
Rashid capped off his remarkable spell by claiming a birthday five-wicket haul, with Markram being his final victim. Kharote wrapped up the innings in the next over, dismissing the last South African batter to secure a career-best 4/26 as South Africa collapsed for just 134 in 34.2 overs.
Afghanistan’s Record-Breaking Triumph
Afghanistan’s dominant win not only secured them the series 2-0 but also marked their biggest victory margin in ODI history, with a stunning 177-run triumph over a top-tier side like South Africa. Rashid Khan’s 5/19 and Nangeyalia Kharote’s 4/26, along with Gurbaz’s century, will go down as some of Afghanistan’s finest moments in the format, signifying their growing stature in international cricket.
Brief Scores:
Afghanistan 311/4 in 50 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 105, Azmatullah Omarzai 86*, Rahmat Shah 50; Lungi Ngidi 1-50)
South Africa 134 all out in 34.2 overs (Temba Bavuma 38, Tony de Zorzi 31; Rashid Khan 5-19, Nangeyalia Kharote 4-26)
Result: Afghanistan won by 177 runs.
