SHARJAH: Afghanistan beat South Africa by 177 runs in the second ODI, clinching the series win.
Rashid Khan celebrated his birthday with a remarkable five-wicket haul, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributed significantly with his seventh ODI century, leading Afghanistan to a historic victory. This marks their first bilateral series win against a team ranked in the ICC’s top five.
This victory, their second in the series, saw Afghanistan post their tenth total of over 300 runs, setting South Africa a daunting target. The South African batting lineup crumbled, collapsing from 102 for 2 to 112 all out, suffering their fifth-largest defeat by runs.
Rashid Khan, celebrating his 26th birthday, starred with the ball, claiming five wickets and adding to his reputation as one of cricket’s premier bowlers. Afghanistan’s batting was also on display, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s seventh ODI century, complemented by Rahmat Shah’s half-century and Azmatullah Omarzai’s rapid 86 off just 50 balls.
Batting first under the scorching Sharjah sun, with temperatures feeling like the late 40s Celsius, Afghanistan built a solid foundation. Gurbaz and Riaz Hassan opened with an 88-run partnership, followed by a 101-run stand between Gurbaz and Shah. South Africa’s spinners, particularly Bjorn Fortuin and Aiden Markram, were effective in restricting runs, but the Afghan batsmen found ways to capitalize on the pace bowlers’ mistakes.
Gurbaz began aggressively, hitting a massive six off Lungi Ngidi and quickly reaching a run-a-ball 24. After a brief lull, he surged again, eventually reaching his century after facing some anxious moments. His emotional celebration included dropping to his knees in prayer and blowing a kiss to the crowd. His impressive innings of 104 ended when he was bowled by a Burger delivery.
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Omarzai’s late surge propelled Afghanistan past 300, scoring his fifty in just 32 balls and finishing unbeaten. Rashid Khan, while nursing a hamstring concern, contributed to the total before taking the new ball.
In South Africa’s chase, a promising start from captain Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi quickly deteriorated. The introduction of Rashid sparked a dramatic collapse, as South Africa lost their last eight wickets for just 10 runs. Rashid’s lethal spin wreaked havoc, claiming the key wickets and leaving South Africa reeling.
The match concluded with South Africa bowled out in just over 20 overs, a stunning end to a day dominated by Afghanistan, who now lead the series 2-0 with one game remaining.
