Afghanistan secured a solid six-wicket victory over South Africa in the first one-day international in Sharjah on Wednesday, dismissing the Proteas for a mere 106. While South Africa avoided their lowest ODI total, superb bowling performances by Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi, who claimed 4-35, and AM Ghazanfar, with 3-20, set up a relatively easy chase for the Afghan batters.
South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi struck early, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz on the third ball of the innings. This was followed by Bjorn Fortuin trapping Rahmat Shah leg-before, leaving Afghanistan at a shaky 15-2. Fortuin continued his impact by removing Riaz Hassan for 16, while captain Aiden Markram, standing in for the ill Temba Bavuma, claimed Hashmatullah Shahidi’s wicket. Despite these early setbacks, Azmatullah Omarzai (25 not out) and Gulbadin Naib, who played a quickfire 34 off 27 balls, guided Afghanistan to victory in 26 overs.
Earlier, after winning the toss, Markram opted to bat first. Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi started cautiously, adding 17 runs for the first wicket, before Farooqi bowled Hendricks for 9. This sparked a dramatic collapse, with South Africa crumbling to 36-7. Farooqi further dismissed Markram and de Zorzi, while Ghazanfar took key wickets, including Tristan Stubbs, debutant Jason Smith, and Kyle Verreynne. Andile Phehlukwayo’s run-out, during a leg-before appeal, added to South Africa’s woes.
Naib and Omarzai Steady Afghanistan After Early Wobbles
At one point, it seemed South Africa might struggle to surpass their lowest ODI total of 69. However, a 39-run partnership between Wiaan Mulder and Fortuin helped them avoid further embarrassment. Rashid Khan, playing his first ODI since the 2023 World Cup, bowled Fortuin, and Farooqi removed Mulder for 52. Rashid finished the innings by trapping Ngidi leg-before, sealing Afghanistan’s dominance as South Africa folded in 33.3 overs.
Afghanistan’s dominant performance with both ball and bat secured a convincing six-wicket win over South Africa in the first ODI in Sharjah. Exceptional bowling from Fazalhaq Farooqi and AM Ghazanfar dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup, limiting them to a modest 106.
Despite a few early setbacks in their chase, Afghanistan’s resilience, led by Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai, ensured a comfortable victory within 26 overs. South Africa, unable to recover from their batting collapse, were left searching for answers, while Afghanistan celebrated a commanding start to the series.
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