Afghanistan Create History By Sealing First-Ever Bilateral ODI Series Victory Vs South Africa
Afghanistan Seal ODI Series Win Vs South Africa: Afghanistan beat South Africa in the 2nd ODI to script history. Here are the details. Read below.
Afghanistan Seal ODI Series Win Vs South Africa: A new piece of history has been written at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, UAE, as the 251st ODI fixture at the venue produces Afghanistan's first-ever bilateral ODI series victory over Proteas.
In the absence of the injured Ibrahim Zadran, Hasmatullah Shahidi took over the reigns of Afghanistan's captaincy for this series, and with their massive 177-run victory in the 2nd ODI, they have now sealed the three-match ODI series 2-0.
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𝐀𝐅𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍 𝐖𝐈𝐍! 🙌#AfghanAtalan have put on a remarkable all-round performance to beat South Africa by 177 runs in the 2nd ODI and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. 👏
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 20, 2024
Congratulations on the historical achievements, Atalano! 🤩
#AFGvSA pic.twitter.com/YEFo1ouinK
Afghanistan Vs South Africa 2nd ODI | As It Happened
Electng to bat first, Afghanistan challenged themselves under the sun on a tricky surface that was reportedly subject to immese turn and low bounce. However, an exhibition of poor line and length from the Proteas proved to be costly, as Afghanistan survived the scare of early jitters against the new ball.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Riaz Hassan did exceptionally well to play out both pace and spin without anelement of extra risk, as the oepning duo registered a partnership of 88 in 17.3 overs, which now stands as Afghanistan's highest-ever opening partnership against South Africa in ODI cricket.
The breakthrough was provided by part-timer Aiden Markram, as his sharp-incoming delivery deceived Riaz Hassan on all fronts and was given out via LBW.
The fall of first wicket did not disrupt Afghanistan's momentum, as Rahmanullah Gurbaz showed immense composure throughout the innings alongside vital contributions from Rahmat Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai.
The Afghan wicketkeeper-batsman notched up his 7th ODI century and his conversion rate from 50 to 100 now stands at 5 fifties and 7 hundreds, before his dismissal at 189 in 34.3 overs.
The platform was already set for Afghanistan, but Rahmat Shah was sent back to the pavilion for an individual score of 50, and the home side feared to settle for a total less than 300.
Azmatullah Omarzai played a blinder, as his knock proved to be the fitting blow to South Africa, with him recording an unbeaten innings of sheer class, which read at 86 runs in 50 balls, with 5 fours and 6 sixes, at a magnificent strike rate of 172, and Afghanistan finished their innings at 311/4.
In reply, South Africa themselves were off to a brilliant start in their chase of 312, as captain Temba Bavuma alongside opener Tony De Zorzi scored 73 runs in 13.5 overs, before the former fell prey to Azmatullah Omarzai.
The wicket proved to mark a huge downslide of the Proteas batting order, as Rashid Khan and Co. rattled them for the next 122 balls, with the visitors managing merely 61 runs at a loss of 9 wickets.
South Africa were bundled out for 134 and Rashid Khan's five-wicket haul helped Afghanistan seal a historic series victory.
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