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Afghanistan Vs South Africa 2nd ODI: Afghanistan Crush South Africa by 177 Runs in Historic Victory
Afghanistan registered their biggest win in One-Day International (ODI) cricket history with a dominant 177-run triumph over South Africa in the second ODI of the 2024 series. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s outstanding seventh ODI century and Azmatullah Omarzai’s blistering 86* powered Afghanistan to a commanding 311, which was followed by a superb bowling performance led by spinners Rashid Khan and Nangeyalia Kharote. The duo shared nine wickets, dismissing South Africa for just 134 and securing a 2-0 series victory in Sharjah.
Gurbaz Leads the Charge with a Century
Opting to bat first on a good batting surface, Afghanistan took a cautious approach in the early stages. The first four overs saw the openers taking time to adjust to the conditions, but then Rahmanullah Gurbaz shifted gears and started to dominate the South African bowlers. He attacked pacers Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger, smashing a combined total of 10 and 11 runs in consecutive overs, including a six and multiple boundaries. Gurbaz’s aggressive intent put South Africa on the back foot as they struggled to contain his fiery innings.
To slow down the flow of runs, South Africa introduced spin into the attack. However, Gurbaz showed little hesitation against spin and continued to build his innings. His confidence grew with every shot, and just after the drinks break, he brought up his half-century off 56 balls. South Africa’s Aiden Markram managed to break Afghanistan’s strong opening stand when he trapped Riaz Hassan LBW for 29 in the 18th over, but this did little to slow down the Afghan charge.
Crucial Partnerships Steady Afghanistan’s Innings
Following the dismissal of Riaz, Rahmat Shah took his time to settle in at the crease. However, once he was set, he and Gurbaz formed another key partnership for Afghanistan. In a span of just seven overs, they added 58 runs, with at least one boundary per over, including two massive sixes from Gurbaz. This rapid scoring spree kept Afghanistan on course for a big total.
Lungi Ngidi was brought back into the attack to stem the runs, and South Africa even used a desperate review in an attempt to dismiss Gurbaz. However, the opener reached his century soon after with a well-timed sweep to deep square leg off Markram’s bowling. His celebrations, though, were short-lived as Nandre Burger managed to dismiss him shortly afterward. Gurbaz’s fine innings of 105 laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s imposing total.
Azmatullah’s Power-Hitting Takes Afghanistan Past 300
At this stage, Afghanistan’s score was steady but far from imposing. That changed when Azmatullah Omarzai took charge of the slog overs. Initially scoring at around a run-a-ball, his approach transformed once Rahmat Shah reached his fifty off 63 balls. Rahmat was stumped soon after, but Azmatullah began to display a remarkable ability to accelerate in the death overs.
Azmatullah launched a brutal assault on the South African bowlers, hitting six towering sixes. Nqaba Peter was hit the hardest, but even the more experienced Ngidi, Burger, and Mulder couldn’t escape the carnage. Azmatullah’s unbeaten 86 off just 50 balls, combined with Afghanistan’s strong partnerships earlier in the innings, saw the team post a commanding 311/4 in their allotted 50 overs.
South Africa’s Top Order Struggles Against Afghanistan’s Spin Attack
South Africa started their chase with some positivity, as openers Tony de Zorzi and Temba Bavuma built a 73-run partnership. De Zorzi, the more aggressive of the two, looked set to help South Africa stay in the contest, but once Azmatullah Omarzai broke through by dismissing him, the innings quickly unraveled.
Afghanistan’s spinners, Rashid Khan and Nangeyalia Kharote, took over from there, creating immense pressure on the South African middle order. Rashid was at his magical best, removing Reeza Hendricks, who was beaten by a superb delivery from Kharote, in quick succession. From 83/1, South Africa suddenly found themselves reeling at 107/5.
Rashid and Kharote’s Devastating Spell
Rashid Khan, celebrating his birthday, bowled a phenomenal spell, taking five wickets and completely dismantling South Africa’s middle and lower order. His double-wicket over was the highlight, as he sent back both Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne in quick succession, leaving South Africa with an insurmountable task of chasing down the remaining 205 runs in just 26 overs.
With the scoreboard pressure mounting and two world-class spinners operating in tandem, South Africa found themselves unable to break free from the stranglehold. Rashid picked up his fifth wicket by dismissing South African captain Aiden Markram, who was their last recognized batsman. Kharote then wrapped up the innings, securing his career-best figures of 4/26, as South Africa were bowled out for a mere 134 in 34.2 overs.
Afghanistan Clinch Historic Series Win
Afghanistan’s comprehensive 177-run victory marked their biggest win in ODI cricket and secured the three-match series 2-0. The team’s strong performance in both batting and bowling departments highlighted their growing strength in international cricket. With Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s century, Azmatullah Omarzai’s late-innings blitz, and the magical bowling from Rashid Khan and Nangeyalia Kharote, Afghanistan demonstrated their ability to compete against top teams like South Africa.
The historic win not only boosts Afghanistan’s confidence ahead of future international tournaments but also sends a clear message to the cricketing world that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Brief Scores:
Afghanistan: 311/4 in 50 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 105, Azmatullah Omarzai 86*, Rahmat Shah 50; Lungi Ngidi 1-50)
South Africa: 134 all out in 34.2 overs (Temba Bavuma 38, Tony de Zorzi 31; Rashid Khan 5-19, Nangeyalia Kharote 4-26)
Afghanistan won by 177 runs.