AFG vs SA, 2nd ODI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan power Afghanistan to first-ever series win over South Africa

Sharjah: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan starred with bat and ball respectively as Afghanistan registered their biggest series win on Friday as they defeated heavyweights South Africa by 177 runs in the second ODI to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Batting first, Afghanistan put on a mammoth 311/4 in 50 overs. In reply, the Proteas were bundled out for just 134 in 34.2 overs as Afghanistan completed their biggest-ever win in terms of runs in ODIs. Earlier, Afghanistan had won the first game against South Africa.

Batting first, Afghanistan rode on Gurbaz’s seventh ODI ton to go past the 300-run mark. Gurbaz shared an 88-run stand for the opening wicket with Riaz Hassan (29) before stitching a 101-run partnership for the second wicket with Rahmat Shah (50). However, Nandre Burger brought an end to Gurbaz’s magnificent innings with a length ball that nipped back and kissed the top of the off stump.

But that didn’t deter Afghanistan as Azmatullah Omarzai’s brilliant 86 ensured they were well on top of their opposition. In reply, South Africa started well with captain Temba Bavuma (38) and Tony de Zorzi (31) putting 73 runs for the first wicket. But once the partnership was broken, it was all Afghanistan as they ripped apart the Proteas batting line-up with wickets at regular intervals.

Reeza Hendricks (17) and Aiden Markram (21) were the other two batters with double digits as rest of the South African batting couldn’t stand in front of Rashid and Nangeyalia Kharote. While birthday boy Rashid five-wicket haul, Kharote ended with 4/26 to cap off a memorable win for Afghanistan.

“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,” Player of the Match Rashid said after the game. “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.

“And now they have started to deliver. Great to see youngsters coming up and showcasing their talent. 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,” he added.