Afghanistan Overpowers South Africa in First ODI, Bowling Proteas Out for 106 in Sharjah
Afghanistan secured a commanding six-wicket victory over South Africa in the opening one-day international (ODI) in Sharjah on Wednesday, after dismissing the Proteas for a mere 106 runs.
In South Africa, many fans seemed unaware or indifferent to the national team’s involvement, reflecting the current disinterest and challenges surrounding South African cricket.
For those who are following the series, the second ODI is set for Friday, 20 September at 14:00 (SA time), with the third and final match scheduled for Sunday, 22 September, also at 14:00.
South Africa Avoids Record-Low Score
While South Africa managed to avoid recording their lowest-ever ODI score, Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi (4-35) and AM Ghazanfar (3-20), dominated the innings. The Proteas struggled to counter the impressive bowling attack, leaving Afghanistan with a straightforward chase.
The Afghan team did face a brief scare, losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz on the third ball of their innings, caught at third man off Lungi Ngidi. When Rahmat Shah was trapped leg before by Bjorn Fortuin, Afghanistan found themselves at 15-2.
Fortuin struck again, dismissing Riaz Hassan for 16, and stand-in captain Aiden Markram, filling in for the ill Temba Bavuma, removed Hashmatullah Shahidi. However, Azmatullah Omarzai (25*) and Gulbadin Naib (34 off 27 balls) guided Afghanistan to victory within 26 overs.
South Africa’s Dramatic Collapse
Earlier, after winning the toss, Markram chose to bat first, but South Africa’s top order quickly crumbled. Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi managed to add just 17 for the first wicket before Hendricks was bowled by Farooqi for 9, triggering a dramatic collapse that saw South Africa reduced to 36-7.
Farooqi added the wickets of Markram (2) and de Zorzi (11), while Ghazanfar removed Tristan Stubbs and debutant Jason Smith for ducks, alongside Kyle Verreynne for 10. To make matters worse, Andile Phehlukwayo was run out by Mohammad Nabi as Ghazanfar appealed for leg before.
At one point, South Africa’s lowest ODI score of 69, set against Australia in 1993, seemed in danger. However, an eighth-wicket partnership of 39 between Wiaan Mulder and Bjorn Fortuin helped the Proteas cross the 100-run mark and briefly threatened to stabilize the innings.
Fortuin was bowled by Rashid Khan, playing his first ODI since the 2022 World Cup, while Mulder top-scored with 52 from 84 balls, including five fours and a six. Farooqi claimed Mulder’s wicket to bring the innings to a close at 106. Rashid wrapped up the South African innings by dismissing Ngidi leg before, finishing with 2-30 from 7.3 overs.
The Proteas will need to regroup ahead of the second ODI, while Afghanistan will be looking to build on this dominant performance.
