Rahmanullah Gurbaz raises his bat in celebration after scoring a century against South Africa, while Azmatullah Omarzai stands nearby after his explosive 86*. Afghanistan bowlers Rashid Khan and Nangeyalia Kharote shine as South Africa collapses during the 2nd ODI of the 2024 series in Sharjah.

Afghanistan versus South Africa ODI Series, 2024

2nd ODI

Gurbaz and Omarzai has played an important role for Afghanistan to secure a victory against South Africa

Rashid and Gurbaz brought their A-game to the forefront, derailing South Africa.© Getty

Afghanistan scored 311/4 in 50 overs, where as South Africa scored 134 all out in 34.2 overs.

So, finally Afghanistan beat South Africa by 177 runs.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s seventh ODI century, followed by a blistering 86* from Azmatullah Omarzai, and a combined nine-wicket haul from Rashid Khan and Nangeyalia Kharote, propelled Afghanistan to a dominant 177-run victory over South Africa, marking their biggest win in ODI history.

After posting an imposing total of 311, Afghanistan’s spinners routed South Africa for a mere 134, sealing the three-match series 2-0 in Sharjah.

Opting to bat first on a good track, Afghanistan began cautiously before Gurbaz unleashed his aggression, attacking South African pacers Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger for boundaries and sixes.

After reaching his 56-ball half-century just after the drinks break, Gurbaz anchored the innings with a crucial 88-run opening stand with Riaz Hassan, who fell for 29 to Aiden Markram in the 18th over.

Gurbaz continued his assault, hitting two sixes and keeping the scoreboard ticking, bringing up his century with a sweep to deep square leg off Markram.

Although Burger eventually dismissed Gurbaz shortly after his century, Azmatullah took over, accelerating the innings in the slog overs.

His unbeaten 86 off just 50 balls, laced with six towering sixes, powered Afghanistan to a strong finish, with 83 runs coming off the final nine overs.

In response, South African openers started brightly, with Tony de Zorzi playing the aggressor in a 73-run stand.

However, Azmatullah’s breakthrough opened the floodgates.

Rashid Khan and Nangeyalia Kharote ripped through South Africa’s middle order, with Rashid’s double-wicket over reducing them to 107/5.

Rashid completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Aiden Markram, while Kharote’s career-best 4/26 helped finish the job, bundling South Africa out for 134 and sealing a historic win for Afghanistan.

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