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 within the second ODI to take an unassailable 2-Zero lead within the three-match series. Batting first, Afghanistan put on a mammoth 311/Four in 50 overs. In reply, the Proteas were bundled out for just 134 in 34.2 overs as Afghanistan completed their biggest-ever win on the topic 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 outlet wicket with Riaz Hassan (29) ahead of stitching a 100 and one-run partnership for the second wicket with Rahmat Shah (50). However it, Nandre Burger brought an end to Gurbaz’s magnificent innings with a length ball that nipped back and kissed the pinnacle 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 once broken, it was once 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 opposite two batters with double digits as remainder 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 Four/26 to cap off a memorable win for Afghanistan.

“Fifer after very long time and I had a hamstring injury as well since a month, but I wanted to remain within the bottom and assist the team,” Player of the Match Rashid said after the game. “It was once a massive opportunity for us to win a a really powerful series, so I wanted to make contributions. I revel in bowling with youngsters, I share my ideas with them and the perfect part is they listen and learn quickly.

“And now they have began to deliver. Great to see youngsters bobbing up and showcasing their talent. We had a massive opportunity to win a series and the love for the game pushes you to play, I believed I was once ready to bowl and stay on the field, good job done by the physio as well,” he added.