21-Sep-2024, 01:50 PM
In a historic achievement for Afghan cricket, the Afghanistan national team has defeated South Africa in the second ODI of their three-match series, securing their first-ever ODI series win against the Proteas. The match, held on September 20, 2024, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, ended with Afghanistan triumphing by a commanding 177 runs.
Match Highlights
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan set a formidable target of 311 runs. The innings was anchored by a stellar performance from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored a brilliant century, making 105 runs off 109 balls. This marked his seventh ODI hundred and broke the record for the most centuries by an Afghan batter, previously held by Mohammad Shahzad. Gurbaz’s innings included ten boundaries and three sixes, showcasing his ability to dominate the South African bowling attack. Supporting Gurbaz was Azmatullah Omarzai, who delivered an explosive performance with the bat, scoring 86 runs off just 50 balls. His innings featured five fours and six sixes, which significantly boosted Afghanistan’s total and put South Africa under immense pressure.
South Africa’s Collapse
Chasing a daunting target of 312 runs, South Africa struggled from the outset. The Afghan bowlers, led by Rashid Khan, delivered a masterclass in bowling. Rashid celebrated his 26th birthday in style by claiming five wickets for just 19 runs in his nine overs, dismantling the South African batting lineup. The Proteas were bowled out for a mere 134 runs in just 34.2 overs, unable to cope with the pressure or the skillful bowling of the Afghan spinners.
Significance of the Victory
This victory not only marks Afghanistan’s first bilateral series win over South Africa but also highlights their rapid progress in international cricket. The team’s performance throughout the series has been commendable, having already secured a win in the first ODI as well. With this victory, Afghanistan takes an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Reactions and Future Prospects
The win has been met with jubilation among fans and cricket analysts alike, who see it as a significant milestone for Afghan cricket on the world stage. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi praised his team’s efforts and expressed pride in their performance, indicating that this series win is just the beginning of greater achievements to come. As they prepare for the final ODI of the series, Afghanistan will look to maintain their momentum and further solidify their standing in international cricket. With players like Gurbaz and Rashid leading from the front, there is much anticipation for what lies ahead for this talented team.
