Afghanistan secured a remarkable six-wicket win over South Africa in their opening one-day international (ODI) in Sharjah on Wednesday, marking their first-ever ODI victory over the Proteas. After an impressive bowling performance that bowled South Africa out for just 106, Afghanistan comfortably chased down the target in 26 overs.
South Africa, missing their regular captain Temba Bavuma due to illness, struggled from the outset after stand-in skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bat. Opening bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi (4-35) and AM Ghazanfar (3-20) tore through the Proteas’ top order, reducing them to a dismal 36-7. Reeza Hendricks (9) was the first to fall, bowled by Farooqi, sparking a dramatic collapse. Markram (2), Tony de Zorzi (11), and Tristan Stubbs all fell cheaply, with Ghazanfar dismissing Jason Smith and Kyle Verreynne.
South Africa’s woes worsened when Andile Phehlukwayo was run out after a confusion during Ghazanfar’s leg-before appeal. It appeared that South Africa was headed for their lowest-ever ODI score, potentially challenging their record of 69 against Australia in 1993. However, a valuable eighth-wicket partnership between Wiaan Mulder (52) and Bjorn Fortuin (14) helped the Proteas recover, pushing their total past 100.
Mulder, the standout performer for South Africa, notched up his first ODI half-century before falling to Farooqi. Afghanistan’s ace spinner Rashid Khan, playing his first ODI since the 2023 World Cup, wrapped up the innings with figures of 2-30, dismissing Ngidi to bowl South Africa out in just 33.3 overs.
In response, Afghanistan faced early setbacks, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz dismissed for a duck in the first over and Rahmat Shah falling for 5 to leave them at 15-2. Bjorn Fortuin and Lungi Ngidi kept South Africa in the game with quick wickets, but Azmatullah Omarzai (25 not out) and Gulbadin Naib (34 off 27 balls) steered Afghanistan to victory.
This historic win is a major milestone for Afghanistan, further solidifying their status as an emerging force in international cricket.
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