AFG Vs SA – South Africa Denies Afghanistan A Series Sweep In UAE. In a thrilling conclusion to the three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and South Africa, the Proteas managed to secure a consolation victory in the third and final match, avoiding a series whitewash. With this win, South Africa denied Afghanistan a clean sweep, finishing the series 2-1 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE.
South Africa Improved Performance
After being outplayed in the first two ODIs, where they were bowled out for paltry scores of 106 and 134, South Africa showed resilience in the final match. Aiden Markram, leading from the front, played a crucial role with an unbeaten 69 off 67 balls, guiding his team to a seven-wicket victory. South Africa chased down the target of 170 with 17 overs to spare, showing a marked improvement in their batting approach on a tricky Sharjah surface.
Afghanistan Collapse
Afghanistan, having won the toss, decided to bat first but struggled to build momentum. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who had been their standout performer throughout the series, was the lone warrior with a gritty 89 off 94 balls. Despite his efforts, Afghanistan faltered and were bowled out for 169 in just 34 overs. The absence of key players like Rashid Khan, due to a hamstring injury, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, who was rested, significantly impacted their bowling attack, making it difficult to contain the South African batsmen.
Key Highlights of the Match
- Markram’s Steadfast Knock: Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 69 was a masterclass in handling pressure on a slow, turning track. His innings included five boundaries and two sixes, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate.
- Gurbaz’s Lone Effort: Despite losing wickets at the other end, Gurbaz continued to play his shots. His 47-ball half-century kept Afghanistan in the game, but the lack of support from other batsmen meant they fell short of a competitive total.
- South Africa’s Bowling Excellence: Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Nqabayomzi Peter were pivotal in dismantling the Afghan batting line-up. Each picked up two wickets, supported by tight fielding that resulted in three crucial run-outs, putting South Africa in a commanding position.
- Afghan Batting Missteps: Three of Afghanistan’s top eight batsmen were run out, showcasing a lack of communication and urgency. This was a major factor in their inability to post a challenging total.
Markram And Stubbs Partnership
The 90-run partnership between Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs was the game’s decisive moment. The duo batted with a blend of caution and aggression, ensuring that South Africa did not lose any further wickets after a shaky start. Markram’s experience was evident as he guided the young Stubbs, who contributed a solid 26 not out.
South Africa Series Overview
The series began disastrously for the Proteas, with Afghanistan’s bowlers dominating the first two matches. The South African batsmen struggled to cope with the spin threat posed by Afghanistan, particularly Rashid Khan, who took nine wickets in the series. However, the final match saw South Africa’s batting unit apply themselves better, adapting to the conditions and executing their game plan effectively.
Afghanistan Historic Series Win
Despite losing the final match, Afghanistan secured a historic series win, marking their first-ever ODI series victory against South Africa. This achievement is a testament to their growth as a cricketing nation, with players like Gurbaz and Nabi leading the way. Their performances in the first two matches, especially the commanding win in the second ODI, where they posted a daunting total of 311/4, highlighted their potential on the international stage.
Post-Match Reactions
- Hashmatullah Shahidi: The Afghan captain expressed mixed feelings after the match. While he was pleased with the series win, he acknowledged the team’s shortcomings in the final game, particularly the run-outs. He emphasized the importance of learning from these mistakes as they prepare for future assignments.
- Temba Bavuma: The South African skipper praised his team’s improved performance, particularly highlighting their clinical batting display in the final match. He noted that the team would take valuable lessons from this series as they prepare for their upcoming matches against Ireland.
Looking Ahead
South Africa will now turn their focus to their white-ball series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi, starting with the T20Is on September 27th, followed by the ODIs. For Afghanistan, their next challenge will be a multi-format series against Zimbabwe in December, with the exact dates yet to be confirmed.
Conclusion
While Afghanistan won the series, South Africa’s victory in the final ODI was a reminder of their potential. The Proteas will be keen to build on this momentum, while Afghanistan will look to iron out the inconsistencies that plagued them in the third match. Overall, the series provided thrilling cricket and showcased the rising standards of Afghanistan’s cricketing prowess on the international stage.
