Afghanistan Seal Famous Series Win Over South Africa
Afghanistan
created history with a dominating win in the 2nd One-day
international match played at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on 20th
September 2024.
Afghanistan
captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and decided to bat first. Rahmanullah
Gurbaz showed intent right from the word go putting enough pressure on the
South African bowlers. On the other hand, Riaz Hasan gave good support with
positive strokes. Both Afghanistan openers scored 47 for 0 at the end of the
first 10 overs.
After the
field restrictions, Gurbaz and Riaz kept the scoreboard ticking. Markram got
the much-needed breakthrough dismissing Riaz. Riaz and Gurbaz added 88 runs for
the opening wicket. Rahmat Shah came to the crease along with Gurbaz
maintaining momentum for Afghanistan.
Gurbaz completed
his fifty off 56 deliveries keeping the momentum going for Afghanistan. After
his milestone, Gurbaz continued to maneuver singles and kept hitting boundaries
with ease. He surpassed Mohammad Shahzad for the most number of centuries by
Afghanistan batter in ODIs. The wicketkeeper batter reached a century off 107
deliveries. He was eventually dismissed by Burger to end a superb knock. Gurbaz
and Rahmat Shah added 101 runs for the 2nd wicket.
Azamatullah
Omarzai came to the crease showing intent right from the word go putting enough
pressure on SA bowlers. On the other hand, Shah reached his fifty off 63 balls
and was eventually dismissed by the same score. Omarzai played with intent, hitting
boundaries and sixes with ease. On the other hand, Nabi struggled and was not
able to time the ball.
Omarzai
reached fifty off just 32 deliveries keeping the momentum going for
Afghanistan. Nabi’s struggle ended dismissed by Ngidi. Omarzai and Nabi added 55
runs for the 4th wicket. Omarzai upped the ante with some lusty hits
while Rashid Khan struggled to run due to an injury. Omarzai played a special
knock remaining not out on 86 off 50 deliveries with 5 fours and 6 sixes.
Omarzai and Rashid added 40 runs for the 5th wicket that helped
Afghanistan post 311 for 4 in 50 overs.
Rashid Khan
wreaked havoc with match-winning spell
Temba
Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi began the chase off to a positive start showing intent
right from the word go. South African openers kept the pressure on the
Afghanistan bowlers scoring 54 runs in the first 10 overs.
Omarzai got the breakthrough for Afghanistan by dismissing Bavuma
caught by Nabi. South African openers added 73 runs for the opening wicket.
Rashid Khan
came into the attack and got rid of Zorzi with a good catch by Ikram Akhil. The
magician got rid of Tristian Stubbs with a review and the decision was
overturned leaving South Africa in trouble. He then produced a lovely
delivery to dismiss Kyle Verryene. His superb performance continued with another
impressive wicket of Wiaan Mulder to derail the South African innings.
Rashid Khan
got Aiden Markram with another piece of magic to end South Africa’s hopes of
winning. It was a superb bowling effort as Afghanistan bundled them out for 134
in 34.2 overs. Rashid Khan picked 5 for 19 in 9 overs, Kharote 4 for 26 while
Omarzai took 1 wicket to help Afghanistan register 177 runs victory.
Afghanistan
registered their first-ever series win over South Africa. For his match-winning
figures of 5 for 19 in 9 overs, Rashid Khan was named the player of the match. The
third and final match will be played on 22nd September 2024.
Afghanistan beat South Africa in the 2nd ODI to seal a famous series win.
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