Afghanistan made history with Gurbaz, Omarzai and Rashid playing against South Africa

Second ODI in the middle Afghanistan again South Africa in the UAE saw a good display from Afghanistan, who secured a comprehensive 177-run victory at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The victory not only ensured Afghanistan’s series lead 2-0 but also highlighted their strength in international cricket.

A strong start for Afghanistan with the bat

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Afghanistan openers set the tone for a strong innings. Rahmanullah Gurbazcontinuing his excellent form, he was the star of the show, anchoring the innings with a fine century. His knock of 105 off 110 balls included 10 fours and 3 sixes. Gurbaz played with maturity, combining aggressiveness and patience, and provided Afghanistan with the perfect platform to build an impressive score.

To support him at the top was Riaz HassanContributor 29 of 45 posts. Even though Hassan has fallen sharply, his partnership with Gurbaz has helped Afghanistan get off to a good start. Rahmat Shahcoming in at number three, he added an important 50 off 66 balls. His innings made sure that Afghanistan did not lose the wicket despite the South African bowlers trying to get in.

However, the real fireworks came Azmatullah Omarzai, whose blast of 86 not out from just 50 balls propelled Afghanistan to a respectable total. Omarzai’s innings was masterful in power hitting, with the right-hander hitting 5 fours and 6 sixes. His aggressiveness in the middle overs made it difficult for the South African bowlers to catch him, and he finished with a strike rate of 172, showing that he was the one who made the difference in the game. Afghanistan finished on 311/4 in their quota of 50 overs.

The South African bowlers had a tough day on the field, with none of them able to stem the flow of runs. Good luck he was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 1/50 in his 10 overs. Nandre Burger (1/68) and Nkabayamz Peter (1/68) also managed to take a wicket apiece, but the pressure from Afghanistan’s batsmen was relentless. Bjorn Fortuin he was economical, conceding only 39 runs in his 10 overs but remained wicketless.

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Rashid Khan’s bowling masterclass

Chasing a daunting target of 312, South Africa’s innings did not continue. Rashid KhanAfghanistan’s talismanic leg-spinner, produced one of his best performances with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 19 runs in 9 overs. His deadly bowling has devastated South Africa’s middle and lower order, leaving them with no chance to chase down the team.

South African openers, They agreed (38 off 47) and Tony de Zorzi (31 in 44), gave a conscious start, but the introduction of spin had a spectacular fall. Aiden Markramknown for his ability to play spin, he managed 21 from 30, but like his teammates, he struggled to handle Rashid’s guile and accuracy. South Africa’s central position crumbled under the pressure, with Tristan Stubbs (5 out of 6), Kyle Verreynne (2 in 2), and Wiaan Mulder (2 of 7) everything goes down cheaply. The tail offered little resistance as South Africa were bundled out for 134 in just 34.2 overs.

And for Alia Kharote he provided excellent support to Rashid, taking 4 wickets for 26 runs in his 6.2 overs. His ability to deliver sharp curve and bounce troubled the South African batsmen throughout their innings. Omarzai, fresh from his batting prowess, also contributed with the ball, picking up one wicket for 17 runs in his three overs.

Afghanistan’s dominance in the ODI series

With this impressive victory, Afghanistan wrapped up the three-match series, having already won the first ODI by 6 wickets. This victory is an important achievement for Afghanistan, especially considering the strength of the South African team. Rashid Khan was adjudged man of the match for his match winning toss.

This win highlights Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket. Their high hitting, combined with their high spin attack, makes them extremely powerful, especially in spin situations. The leadership of the captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and contributions from key players like Gurbaz, Omarzai and Rashid have contributed to their success.

With two wins in a row, Afghanistan will be aiming for a clean sweep in the third and final ODI, scheduled for Sunday, September 22, at the same venue. On the other hand, South Africa will be looking to salvage some pride and avoid hiding.