Afghanistan secured a historic series win against South Africa in their one-day international (ODI) series, with a dominant 177-run victory on Friday.
This win marks Afghanistan’s largest ever ODI triumph by runs, coming just two days after their first-ever win over South Africa. With this result, Afghanistan clinched the series with one match still remaining.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a pivotal role, scoring 105 runs, making him the first Afghan cricketer to reach seven ODI centuries. His performance helped Afghanistan post a formidable total of 311-4, despite playing in challenging, sweltering conditions. South Africa, in response, was bowled out for just 134 in 34.4 overs.
Spin duo Rashid Khan and Nangeyalia Kharote delivered outstanding bowling performances. Rashid, despite injuring his hamstring while batting, celebrated his 26th birthday by taking 5 wickets for just 19 runs. Kharote added to the pressure with 4-26, leaving South Africa’s batting lineup in tatters.
Rashid expressed his delight after the match: “I had a hamstring (injury), but I tried my best to stay on the ground and do my best for the team. It was a great opportunity for us to win the series against a big team … It’s exciting to see young talents like Kharote and (Allah) Ghazanfar stepping up.”
Gurbaz, along with Rahmat Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai, laid a solid foundation for Afghanistan’s innings. Gurbaz, batting in a composed manner, partnered with Shah for a crucial 101-run stand for the second wicket. He endured a tense period in the 90s before reaching his century, celebrating with a heart gesture to his teammates.
After Gurbaz’s dismissal for 105, Omarzai took charge, smashing an unbeaten 86 off just 50 balls, including six sixes and five fours. Shah contributed a steady 50, while Afghanistan added 93 runs in the final 10 overs to reach their first-ever 300-plus total against South Africa.
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi praised the team’s efforts: “Congrats to our nation. The way Gurbaz started, followed by Rahmat and Omarzai, was excellent. Our spinners delivered as expected.”
South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Bjorn Fortuin and Aiden Markram, briefly slowed Afghanistan’s scoring, but struggled in the humid conditions. Nandre Burger eventually dismissed Gurbaz, but Afghanistan’s middle order capitalized on the foundation he set.
In their chase, South Africa started well with a 73-run opening partnership between captain Temba Bavuma (38) and Tony de Zorzi (31). However, once Bavuma fell to a short-pitched delivery from Omarzai, the team collapsed, losing seven wickets for just 39 runs. Rashid Khan sealed the game with his five-wicket haul, clean bowling Markram (21) to end South Africa’s resistance.
Reflecting on the defeat, Bavuma admitted, “Not a good enough performance. We couldn’t take 10 wickets, and Omarzai’s pressure led to their high score after Gurbaz’s strong start. They were simply better than us.”
Afghanistan will now aim for a series sweep in the final ODI on Sunday, capping off a historic series win against a major cricketing nation.
