Afghanistan register historic first-ever bilateral series victory over South Africa

The Afghanistan national cricket team achieved a historic milestone in their cricket history by winning their bilateral ODI series against South Africa. Afghanistan secured the three-match series over South Africa after the second match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, September 20.

The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side started the bilateral series with a win by six wickets at the same venue. They continued their dominance and defeated South Africa for the second consecutive time. The Afghan side also registered their biggest win (177 runs) in terms of runs in the ODI format.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz Smashed His Seventh ODI Century

Hashmatullah Shahidi opted to bat after winning the toss. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Riaz Hassan (29) added an impressive 88-run stand. Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah (50) added 101 runs for the second wicket. Gurbaz scored his seventh century in ODI cricket before being dismissed for 105 off 110 balls.

Azmatullah Omarzai scored an unbeaten 86 runs off 50 balls as Afghanistan finished with 311 runs for the loss of four wickets in 50 overs. For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Nqoba Peter, and Aiden Markram each picked up one wicket. Bjorn Fortuin conceded 39 runs but went wicketless.

Tasked with chasing down a stiff 312, the Proteas started well with Temba Bavuma (38) and Tony de Zorzi (31) but lost wickets at regular intervals due to effective bowling from Nangeyalia Kharote and Rashid Khan. The Temba Bavuma-led side was bowled out for just 134 runs in 34.1 overs.

Rashid Khan was the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan in the recent match. Rashid picked up four wickets and conceded just 19 runs in his nine overs. Kharote also bagged four wickets for 26 runs in his 6.2 overs.

Big Opportunity For Afghanistan To Win An Important Series - Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan was named Player of the Match for his bowling performance. Rashid expressed his satisfaction with taking five wickets after a long time. The leg spinner said that he was motivated by the opportunity to help the team despite his injury.

"Fifer after long time and I had a hamstring injury as well since a month, but I wanted to stay in the ground and help the team. It was a big opportunity for us to win an important series, so I wanted to contribute. I enjoy bowling with youngsters, I share my ideas with them and the best part is they listen and learn quickly," Rashid said.

"And now they have started to deliver. Great to see youngsters coming up and showcasing their talent. (On playing with a hamstring injury) We had a big opportunity to win a series and the love for the game pushes you to play, I thought I was able to bowl and stay on the field, good job done by the physio as well."

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