Afghanistan Vs South Africa: South Africa Secure Consolation Victory with Dominant Performance”

Afghanistan Vs South Africa: South Africa Earns Consolation Win Against Afghanistan in Third ODI 2024

South Africa pulled off a much-needed victory in the Third ODI against Afghanistan in Sharjah after a clinical performance from both their bowlers and batsmen. Despite already losing the series, the Proteas came back strong to secure a comfortable win, showcasing the team’s determination to finish on a high. In contrast, Afghanistan’s batting struggled, with only Rahmanullah Gurbaz standing tall in an otherwise disappointing performance.

Early Control by South African Bowlers

South Africa started the match with intent, seizing control early in the game by taking two crucial wickets within the first 10 overs. The early breakthroughs put Afghanistan on the back foot, disrupting their plans to build a solid platform. South African pacers Andile Phehlukwayo and Lungi Ngidi were at the forefront, exploiting the conditions and keeping the Afghan batters in check.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, fresh from his match-winning century in the previous ODI, was once again the key player for Afghanistan. His aggressive stroke play, including four massive sixes, kept the score ticking despite the early losses. Gurbaz looked set for another remarkable knock, anchoring the innings while punishing loose deliveries. However, while Gurbaz was solid at one end, the other Afghan batters struggled to find rhythm.

Gurbaz’s Lone Fight Amid Afghanistan’s Collapse

Afghanistan’s middle order collapsed spectacularly, with no one besides Gurbaz able to make a meaningful contribution. Gurbaz kept the scoreboard moving, but a series of poor decisions and unnecessary runouts hampered Afghanistan’s progress. As many as eight Afghan batters were dismissed for single-digit scores, highlighting the pressure created by the disciplined South African bowling attack.

Gurbaz’s knock of 89 was the only shining light in Afghanistan’s innings. He fell just 11 runs short of a century, trying to force the pace when he found the fielder at cover point. His dismissal marked the end of Afghanistan’s hopes for a competitive total, as the team was bowled out for a mere 169 in just 34 overs. South Africa’s bowlers were relentless, with Phehlukwayo and Ngidi finishing with impressive figures of 2/17 and 2/22, respectively.

South Africa’s Steady Chase

Chasing 170 for victory, South Africa approached the target with caution. The openers played with restraint, avoiding risks in the early stages. Despite losing three wickets and giving Afghanistan a glimmer of hope at 80/3, South Africa never looked in serious trouble.

Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs then joined forces to steer the team to victory. Markram played the more aggressive role, clearing the boundary three times, including twice in one over from Mohammad Nabi. His well-constructed half-century provided the stability South Africa needed to chase down the target without further hiccups.

Absence of Rashid Khan Affects Afghanistan’s Defense

Afghanistan’s bowling lacked its usual bite, largely due to the absence of Rashid Khan. The star leg-spinner’s unavailability left a significant gap in Afghanistan’s attack, and South Africa capitalized on it. Without Rashid’s presence in the middle overs, Markram and Stubbs were able to bat freely, building an unbeaten 90-run partnership that took the game away from Afghanistan.

Rashid’s ability to pick up key wickets and apply pressure in the middle overs could have made a difference in restricting South Africa’s chase. His absence allowed the Proteas’ middle order to consolidate their innings without much threat, ensuring an easy path to the target.

Markram’s Composed Fifty and Stubbs’ Support

Markram was the star of South Africa’s chase, scoring a fluent 69* that included some well-timed boundaries. He paced his innings perfectly, taking calculated risks and accelerating at the right moments. Tristan Stubbs, who played a supporting role, remained steady at the other end, contributing with an unbeaten 29*.

Together, the duo ensured that South Africa cruised to a comfortable victory in just 33 overs, winning the match by 7 wickets and gaining some consolation after losing the series.

South Africa’s comprehensive performance in the Third ODI was a testament to their ability to bounce back from setbacks. The bowlers set the tone by dismantling Afghanistan’s middle order, and the batsmen finished the job with a steady and composed chase. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s heroic 89 went in vain as Afghanistan’s middle order collapse and the absence of Rashid Khan proved too costly.

For South Africa, the win restored some pride, while Afghanistan will look back at their batting performance and hope to address the issues before their next match. Despite losing the series, the Proteas can take heart from their performance in this match as they prepare for future challenges.

Brief Scores:

• Afghanistan: 169 in 34 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 89; Andile Phehlukwayo 2/17, Lungi Ngidi 2/22)
• South Africa: 170/3 in 33 overs (Aiden Markram 69; Tristan Stubbs 29)

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