South Africa Secures Victory Against Afghanistan in Final ODI
Aiden Markram’s composed innings guided South Africa to a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the third one-day international held in Sharjah on Sunday, preventing a series clean sweep.
Chasing a target of 170, South Africa achieved their goal with an unbeaten 69 from Markram, recovering from a shaky start at 80-3. Afghanistan, having already clinched the series with wins in the first two matches, struggled with the bat after winning the toss.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the standout performer for Afghanistan, scoring an impressive 89 runs off 94 balls. However, after his dismissal, the team faltered at 132-7, with key batters Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Ikram Alikhil all run out in a disorganized display. Tail-ender AM Ghazanfar managed a quick 31 not out off just 15 deliveries, providing a glimmer of hope.
In the opening matches of the series, South Africa had faced difficulties, getting bowled out for 106 and 134. However, they found the Afghan bowling attack less challenging in this match, especially with the absence of rested players Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Despite Reeza Hendricks falling to Fareed Ahmad, Markram partnered with Tristan Stubbs, who finished not out on 26, to secure the victory with an unbroken 90-run stand.
Scores in Brief:
- Afghanistan: 169 all out in 34 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 89)
- South Africa: 170-3 in 33 overs (Aiden Markram 69 not out)
