SA vs AFG 2nd ODI: Afghanistan created history on Saturday as they won an ODI bilateral series against South Africa for the first time in international cricket. After winning the first match of the three-game series by six wickets, Afghanistan made it 2-0 as they recorded a mammoth 177-run win in the second ODI.
Previously, they managed to register ODI series wins on 13 occasions, of which five wins were against Zimbabwe. They have won four series against Ireland and two against Scotland. Besides, they have also won one ODI bilateral series against Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
With the series win against South Africa, they now have 14 bilateral series wins. Also, this is the first time when they have recorded a series win against a team that is among the top five in the ICC rankings.
On a flat track at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the second ODI, R Gurbaz produced a batting masterclass. He exhibited his repertoire of shots and became the first Afghanistan batter to score a century against South Africa.
He played a sensational knock of 105 runs in 110 balls, which was laced with 10 fours and three sixes. Gurbaz stitched an 88-run partnership for the opening wicket with Riaz Hassan (29 off 45), laying the foundation well. It was Aiden Markram, who got South Africa the first breakthrough in the form of Riaz Hassan.
Rahmat Shah came in at three and gave great support to Gurbaz, who was going great guns at the other end. The duo put on a century partnership and piled further misery on South African bowlers.
Gurbaz’s stay ended in the 35th over when Nandre Burger rattled his stumps with a delivery coming into him from round the wicket. Soon, Rahmat Shah departed after playing a handy knock of 50 off 66 deliveries.
Azmatullah came in at number four and, once again, showed why he is rated so highly by the pundits. He capitalized on the start and took Afghanistan past the 300-run mark. The Afghanistan all-rounder played some amazing shots, which was pleasing to the eye.
He reached his fifty off just 32 deliveries and remained unbeaten on 86 off 50, in the end. His outstanding knock helped the team post a massive score of 311 in 50 overs.
Afghanistan bowlers restrict South African batters to 134 Runs
In response, South African openers, Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi, made a handy start. The duo added 73 runs for the opening wicket, which gave them some confidence. However, both Bavuma (38) and de Zorzi (31) were guilty of not converting that start into a big score.
The duo walked back and Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram had the onus to take the game forward. However, Afghanistan didn’t allow them to score easily. Nangeyalia Kharote bowled Hendricks (17 off 34) in the 23rd over and what followed, thereafter, was a Rashid Khan masterclass show with the ball.
The Afghanistan spinner spun a web around South African batters and took wickets like a pro. He first had Tristan Stubbs caught behind the stumps and then outfoxed Kyle Verreynne (2) and Wiaan Mulder (2). Bjorn Fortuine’s wicket had South Africa slip from 98-3 to 112-7.
Aiden Markram, standing at the other end, could only watch his partner come and walk back. Wickets kept falling at quick pace Rashid Khan eventually had Markram (21) in the 34th over. South Africa eventually were bowled out for just 134 runs in 34.2 overs.
Rashid Khan was the standout performer with the ball as he claimed five wickets for just 19 runs in nine overs. Nangeyalia Kharote also showcased his mettle with the ball, claiming four for 26 runs in 6.2 overs.
SA vs AFG 2nd ODI Scorecard
Brief Scores: Afghanistan: 311/4 (R Gurbaz 105, Azmatullah 86; Aiden Markram 1/20) beat South Africa (Temba Bavuma (c) 38; F Farooqi 2/18) by 177 runs
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