In the third and final ODI of the series, South Africa stole a consolation win over Afghanistan. The bowlers from South Africa eventually found their groove and led their side to a convincing win in Sharjah.
The third and final ODI of the series was won by Temba Bavuma’s South Africa, preventing a clean sweep of Afghanistan. In Sharjah on Sunday, September 22, Proteas proved to be very effective on the day, winning by 7 wickets. As the visitors concluded the game with 7 wickets and 17 overs remaining, Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs shone as they chased 170.
The Proteas were able to preserve their pride through this victory, which also gave them some energy ahead of their forthcoming series against Ireland. Afghanistan lost the day after winning the previous two games handily, and the series was won 2-1.
South Africa had a difficult task before of them in chasing a goal of 170 runs, particularly considering their problems against spin during the series. Afghanistan had a chance to complicate matters for the South African batsmen. Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi did not end their innings with a significant score, despite their cautious starts. Additionally failing to have an effect, Reeza Hendricks left the contest in suspense. Afghanistan tried to chip away at the top order, but they were unable to take wickets in bunches that would have changed the tide of the match.
Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs’ pivotal connection was the turning point for South Africa. The two combined caution with astute strike rotation to share an undefeated 90-run stand. Their ability to neutralize the Afghan spin threat and release pressure depended heavily on their ability to keep the scoreboard moving. Both batsmen gained confidence as the innings went on, but Markram stood out for making sure there were no more hiccups.
Afghanistan chose to bat first after winning the toss earlier in the game. The bowlers from South Africa did a good job of carrying out their strategies, regularly going after the stumps in the Powerplay. Throughout the middle section, the visitors took advantage of their opportunities, and three run-outs played a big part in Afghanistan’s defeat. Rahmanullah Gurbaz kept the runs coming, but his aggressive style finally cost him the job. As Afghanistan was bowled out for 169 with 16 overs remaining, Allah Ghazanfar added some late fireworks but was left stranded.
Together with their strong bowling effort, South Africa’s fielding team of Lungi Ngidi, Nqabayomzi Peter, and Andile Phehlukwayo claimed two wickets apiece, with Bjorn Fortuin contributing one.
SA vs. AFG: Present Series
Afghanistan and South Africa played a three-match ODI series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. Afghanistan won both of the first two matches to take a 2-0 series lead.
Afghanistan defeated South Africa in the first One-Day International (ODI). After winning the toss, South Africa chose to bat first but got off to a terrible start. Afghanistan’s formidable bowling attack, spearheaded by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Allah Ghazanfar, completely demolished their batting lineup. Afghanistan’s bowlers proved to be efficient as South Africa was struggling at 36/7 by the end of the first powerplay. Before being bowled out in 33.3 overs, South Africa managed to reach a respectable total of 106 thanks to Wiaan Mulder’s tenacious 52 runs.
Afghanistan’s chase was calm and efficient, with Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai adding substantially to the innings’ stabilization. Afghanistan secured a convincing six-wicket win after reaching the target of 107 runs in just 26 overs thanks to Naib’s undefeated 34 runs. Even South Africa’s two wickets from Bjorn Fortuin could not stop Afghanistan from chasing comfortably.
Afghanistan maintained their strong form in the second ODI. Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain of Afghanistan, won the toss and decided to bat first because the batting conditions were favorable. Thanks to important contributions from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (105 runs off 110 balls) and Azmatullah Omarzai (86 runs off 50 balls), Afghanistan amassed a formidable total of 311/4 in their 50 overs.
South Africa struggled against Afghanistan’s bowling, and their answer was insufficient. With five wickets for 19 runs in his nine overs, Rashid Khan was especially lethal. Nangeyalia Kharote chimed in with four wickets for 26 runs in 6.2 overs. Afghanistan won by an overwhelming 177 runs after South Africa was bowled out for 134 runs in 34.2 overs. With one game remaining, Afghanistan’s victory effectively ended the series.
The difference in performance between the two sides was evident in the second match, as Afghanistan’s bowling and batting units outperformed South Africa’s. Afghanistan achieved an important first with the series win, demonstrating their development and competitiveness in international cricket.
