The Afghanistan men’s cricket team achieved their largest bilateral ODI series victory by winning the three-match series against South Africa in the second game at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Their 177-run triumph marked their biggest win by runs in the 50-over format, capped off by left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote dismissing Lungi Ngidi.
The series lead was held by the Afghans who claimed victory in the first match played at this venue by six wickets. The Proteas began their chase well enough but collapsed when losing several wickets in a row due to the ineffectiveness of Kharote and Rashid Khan military style batting.
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Tony de Zorzi and Temba Bavuma who is also the captain made an impressive opening stand of 73 runs for South Africa before they fell apart after Bavuma’s departure who top scored with 38 runs.
The first breakthrough for them came from Azmatullah Omarzai; thereafter it became all about spin bowling. A left-arm orthodox bowler Rashid Khan took 5 wickets for only 19 runs in his 9 overs while Kharote claimed 4 wickets to send the opposition home by scoring just 134 runs in total.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s seventh ODI century laid the foundation for a match-winning score for Afghanistan
The toss was won by Afghan Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi who opted to bat first earlier on. Despite Riaz Hassan scoring 29; Rahmanullah Gurbaz managed to share 88 runs in the opening partnership with him in 17.3 overs. When left-arm seamer Nandre Burger castled him out; Gurbaz had scored 105 off 110 balls.
In addition to that Rahmat Shah made a nice half-century, however it was Omarzai who gave spectacular finishing touches for their side towards the end. The seam bowling all-rounder helped his country finish at 311 runs in 50 overs after hitting 86 not out off just 50 balls including five boundaries and six towering sixes.
The best player award went to Rashid that initiated South Africa’s collapse with five wickets taken.
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