Afghanistan crush hapless Proteas once again to clinch a historic series win

FILE - Rashid Khan, seen in action during the Twenty20 World Cup, took five wickets as Afghanistan hammered South Africa in the second ODI in Sharjah on Friday. Photo: Randy Brooks/AFP

FILE - Rashid Khan, seen in action during the Twenty20 World Cup, took five wickets as Afghanistan hammered South Africa in the second ODI in Sharjah on Friday. Photo: Randy Brooks/AFP

Published Sep 20, 2024

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Rashid Khan picked up five wickets on his 26th birthday to help Afghanistan clinch a historic ODI series win over South Africa in Sharjah on Friday.

Having set the Proteas a huge target of 312, Afghanistan dismissed their opponents for 134 to seal a massive 177-run win. And with the win, Afghanistan took an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match series.

Chasing 312, South African skipper Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi made a good start to the run chase and put together a brilliant 73-run partnership for the first wicket.

However, after Bavuma departed for 38 when he was caught by Mohammad Nabi when attempting to pull a short ball by Azmatullah Omarzai, it was the start of the end for the Proteas.

Soon after that, De Zorzi followed Bavuma back to the pavillion when he was caught behind off the bowling of Rashid Khan for 31.

After the fall of De Zorzi’s wicket, a dramatic collapse then saw the Proteas lose the remaining eight wickets for just 49 runs.

Earlier on Friday, Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored a brilliant century as Afghanistan set the Proteas a tough target of 312.

Azmatullah Omarzai’s unbeaten 86 was the next best for Afghanistan, while Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger and debutant Nqaba Peter all picked up a wicket each.

Scorecard

Afghanistan 311/4: Rahmanullah Gurbaz 105, Azmatullah Omarzai 86*, Aiden Markram 1/20, Lungi Ngidi 1/50

South Africa 134 all out: Temba Bavuma 38, Tony de Zorzi 31, Rashid Khan 5/19, Nangeyalia Kharote 4/26

Afghanistan win by 177 runs.

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