Aiden Markram Guides South Africa to Consolation Win Over Afghanistan in 3rd ODI
Aiden Markram’s composed innings helped South Africa avoid a series clean sweep by Afghanistan, securing a seven-wicket victory in the third ODI in Sharjah on Sunday.
The Proteas comfortably chased down the target of 170, thanks to Markram’s unbeaten 69, despite a brief wobble when they were 80-3.
Afghanistan’s Historic Series Win
Afghanistan had already sealed a historic series win after taking the first two matches but struggled with the bat after choosing to bat first.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the standout performer with a brilliant 89 off 94 balls, but Afghanistan collapsed after his dismissal, falling to 132-7.
Key batters Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Ikram Alikhil were all run out in a disorganized batting display.
Late Resistance and South Africa’s Response
Tailender AM Ghazanfar provided a late surge for Afghanistan, smashing 31 not out off 15 balls, giving his team some hope.
South Africa, who had been bowled out for 106 and 134 in the previous two games, found the going easier against an Afghan attack missing the rested Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Although Afghanistan remained in the contest when Reeza Hendricks fell to Fareed Ahmad, Markram and Tristan Stubbs, who finished on 26 not out, guided South Africa to victory with an unbroken 90-run partnership.
