‘2nd Best Asian Side’: Social Media Floods With Praise As Afghanistan Claim Historic Series Win Over South Africa

Afghanistan wrote another chapter of their cricketing success as they pulled off their maiden series win against South Africa by defeating the Proteas in the second ODI of the series to make it 2-0.

Social media users are all praises for Afghanistan as they recorded their maiden series win against South Africa on Friday.

Source : X/ @ACBofficials

Afghanistan defeated South Africa in the second ODI of the three-match AFG vs SA series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on Friday to clinch their first ever series win over South Africa. Afghanistan beat the Proteas by 177 runs to make it 2-0 in the ODI series. Earlier on Wednesday, Afghanistan recorded their first-ever victory over South Africa by defeating them by six wickets in the series opener.

In what was another milestone to Afghanistan’s cricket folklore, South Africa were outplayed on all fronts by the Asian team. After posting a mammoth total of 311-4 in 50 overs, helped by a hundred from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and fifties from Rahmat Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai respectively, star Afghani player Rashid Khan dismantled the South African batting order by picking up a five-fer. Nangeyalia Kharote also contributed to Afghanistan’s win by taking a four-fer.

ALSO ON ABP Live | Afghanistan Create History By Sealing First-Ever Bilateral ODI Series Victory Vs South Africa

Afghanistan Have Enjoyed A Successful Year In Cricket

Afghanistan have enjoyed a remarkable year, defeating powerhouses like New Zealand and Australia to reach the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals, where they were knocked out by South Africa. However, they exacted their revenge by defeating the Proteas in a different format.

Fans took to X to praise Afghanistan's impressive rise in international cricket, hailing them as a formidable team capable of beating any side. A user even hailed the Asian side by calling them the second-best in the continent. He wrote, “The 2nd best Asian side for a reason.”

Here's a look at some of the reactions:

Afghanistan have been world class in the last few years! 🇦🇫

- The 2nd best Asian side for a reason. 💯 pic.twitter.com/EZ1BOWGcHn

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 20, 2024

Most wins by Asian teams vs SENA teams in the last 12 months:

🇮🇳 India: 22
🇦🇫 Afghanistan: 5*
🇵🇰 Pakistan: 4
🇧🇩 Bangladesh: 3
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka: 2

The 2 powerhouses of Asian Cricket 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Sztq4D49ko

— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) September 20, 2024

#AFGvSA ODI : This is #Afghanistan Crowds gathered on the streets to watch the cricket against #SouthAfrica .History was created in Dubai by #Rashidkhan & co who thrashed world No3 ranked SA by 177 runs in the 2nd ODI. THIS COMEBACK WAS PERSONAL and leads the series to 2-0. pic.twitter.com/2oeqVBhKC2

— Shreya Aradhya (@ShreyaAradhya) September 21, 2024

History Created at Sharjah!!!

Afghanistan win an ODI series against South Africa for the first time.!🙌

Rashid Khan took a fifer..!🔥

And that happened on #RashidKhan 's birthday as well!

Congratulations to Afghanistan Team.!#SAvsAFG #AfghanAtalan pic.twitter.com/oNNlFeimxO

— Asjad (@mohd_asjad_) September 20, 2024

What an incredible achievement by Afghanistan! 👏 Beating a powerhouse like South Africa in an ODI series is no small feat. Their rise in international cricket continues to inspire! pic.twitter.com/7isJAbslOf

— Name (@Manushyan_offcl) September 20, 2024

Don’t ever dare to call them associate nation or underdogs or fluke team.

They’re a great team and better than Westindies and South Africa currently in Asian conditions

— Khurram Farooqui 🇮🇳 (@iamkhur) September 20, 2024