Between the second ODI Afghanistan and South Africa In the UAE, the Sharjah Cricket Stadium saw a dominant display from Afghanistan as they claimed a comprehensive victory by 177 runs. The win not only secured a 2-0 series lead for Afghanistan but also underlined their growing prowess in international cricket.
Afghanistan started strongly with the bat
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Afghanistan’s openers set the tone for a strong innings. Rahmanullah Gurbazcontinuing his excellent form, he was the star of the show anchoring the innings with a magnificent century. His 105 off 110 balls resulted in 10 fours and 3 sixes. Gurbaz played with maturity, combining aggression with patience and providing the perfect platform for Afghanistan to build a big total.
He supported him at the top Riaz HasanContributing to 29 from 45 deliveries. Although Hasan fell relatively early, his partnership with Gurbaz helped Afghanistan get off to a solid start. Rehmat ShahHe added his 3rd-ranked 50 off 66 balls. His composed innings ensured that Afghanistan did not lose momentum even when South Africa’s bowlers tried to make progress.
But this is where the real fireworks came from Azmatullah Omarzai, 86 from just 50 balls took Afghanistan to a magnificent result. Omarzai’s innings was a masterclass in power hitting, with the right-hander hitting 5 fours and 6 sixes. His aggressive approach in the middle innings made it difficult for the South African bowlers to contain him and he proved to be a game-changer with a strike rate of 172. Afghanistan completed their quota of 50 overs with 311/4.
South Africa’s bowlers had a tough day on the field, with none able to stem the flow of runs. Good luck He was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 1/50 from 10 overs. I heard burger (1/68) and Nkabayamz Peter (1/68) also managed to take a wicket apiece, but the pressure from Afghanistan’s batsmen was relentless. Bjorn Fortuin was economical, conceding just 39 runs in 10 overs but remained wicketless.
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Rashid Khan’s bowling masterclass
Chasing a daunting target of 312, South Africa’s innings never got going. Rashid KhanAfghanistan’s talismanic leg-spinner produced one of his best performances with the ball, taking 5 wickets for just 19 runs in 9 overs. His killer bowling decimated South Africa’s middle and lower order, leaving them with no chance to chase down the target.
Opening of South Africa, They agreed (38 off 47) and Tony de Zorzi (31 off 44), gave a cautious start but the application of spin saw a dramatic collapse. Aiden MarkramKnown for his ability to play spin, he managed 21 from 30 but struggled with Rashid’s guile and accuracy, as did his teammates. Collapsed under pressure with South Africa’s middle order Tristan Stubbs (5 off 6), Kyle Vernon (2 off 2) and Wian Mulder (2 off 7) all come cheap. It offered little resistance as a tail South Africa were bundled out for 134 in just 34.2 overs.
Nangeyalia Kharote Rashida provided excellent support, taking 4 wickets for 26 runs in his 6.2 overs. His sharp turn and bounce ability troubled the South African batsmen throughout the innings. Omarzai, fresh from his heroics with the bat, also contributed with the ball by collecting 1 wicket for 17 runs in 3 overs.
Afghanistan’s dominance in ODI series
With this brilliant win, Afghanistan have already sealed the three-match series by winning the first ODI by 6 wickets. This victory is an important achievement for Afghanistan, especially considering the strength of the South African team. Rashid Khan was deservedly adjudged Man of the Match for his match winning bowling performance.
The win underscores Afghanistan’s growing prominence in world cricket. Their high-end hitting, combined with their world-class spin attacks, make them a formidable force, especially in spin-friendly situations. Captain’s leadership Hashemtullah Shahidi and the contributions of key players like Gurbaz, Omarzai and Rashid have been instrumental in their success.
With two wins in the bag, Afghanistan will aim for a clean sweep in the third and final ODI scheduled to be played at the same venue on Sunday, September 22. On the other hand, South Africa will try to save some pride and avoid bleaching.
