Afghanistan achieved a resounding victory over South Africa on Friday, defeating them by 177 runs in the second one-day international to claim an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series in Sharjah.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz starred with a record-breaking century as Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 311-4 from their 50 overs. Rashid Khan, celebrating his 26th birthday, then took five wickets to dismantle South Africa for just 134.
This win followed Afghanistan’s historic first-ever triumph over South Africa in the opening ODI on Wednesday, which they won by six wickets.
After choosing to bat, Afghanistan dominated the South African bowling attack on a flat pitch that offered little assistance for the bowlers. Gurbaz became Afghanistan’s top ODI centurion, scoring his seventh century with 105 off 110 balls. Azmatullah Omarzai added an unbeaten 86 off 50 balls, including six sixes, helping Afghanistan set a challenging target.
Gurbaz consistently kept the scoreboard ticking, reaching his half-century in 56 balls before cautiously approaching his hundred, which he achieved with a sweep behind square leg. Rahmat Shah contributed with 50 before being stumped off the debutant spinner Nqabayomzi Peter.
South Africa began their chase positively, with captain Temba Bavuma, returning after illness, and Tony de Zorzi putting on 73 for the first wicket. However, after Bavuma was caught by Mohammad Nabi off a bouncer from Omarzai, wickets fell rapidly.
Rashid Khan, despite struggling with a hamstring injury while batting, led the bowling effort with figures of 5-19 from nine overs, while left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote cleaned up the tail with 4-26.
The final match of the series will be played in Sharjah on Sunday.
[Source: Reuters]
