South Africa registered a 7-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the third ODI and thereby took the series
South Africa had made sure of their superiority by the immense success of a 7-wicket win in the third ODI of the series between Afghanistan and South Africa, which was played in the UAE on September 22, 2024. While chasing Afghanistan’s total of 169 runs, South Africa achieved this with consummate ease at 170/3 in 33 overs. Though Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been bagged Player of the Series as he proved himself to be excellent during this particular series, South Africa’s collective effort wins them the game and the series as well.
Afghanistan Struggles with the Bat
Afghanistan’s reply got off to a stuttering start, as Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Abdul Malik were struggling to negotiate South Africa’s tenacious bowling attack. Rahmanullah, however, was Afghanistan’s brightest hope in the tournament. He tried to anchor the innings somewhat. But then, it was unfortunately for him again – he was caught behind by Reeza Hendricks off Andile Phehlukwayo for 89 off 94 balls. His innings, replete with seven boundaries and four sixes, was the driving force behind Afghanistan’s batting, but the batsman’s departure at the wrong moment tilted the match in favor of South Africa.
Afghanistan’s batting order does not offer enough to Gurbaz. Abdul Malik falls for a 9 off 19 balls after being dismissed by Lungi Ngidi. Rahmat Shah could score only 1 run before being run out by Lungi Ngidi. Captain of Afghanistan Hashmatullah Shahidi also fails, returning to pavilion with mere 10 runs after being run out by Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne.
Azmatullah Omarzai, a sound-middle order batsman, was bowled by Nqaba Peter with only 2 runs. Wickets continued to fall at intervals, and Afghanistan was bowled out for a subpar total of 169 in just 34 overs.
Disciplined South African Bowling
South Africa’s bowlers did a stunning job of creating pressure in Afghanistan’s batters, with Lungi Ngidi striking two for 22 off his 6 overs, Abdul Malik and Fareed Ahmad his victims, though taking those wickets ensured that Afghanistan’s total was restrained.
Andile Phehlukwayo also contributed by taking 2 wickets, one among those crucial in overcoming Rahmanullah Gurbaz; capping off Afghanistan’s momentum ahead.
Bjorn Fortuin and Nqaba Peter shared a wicket each as the South African fielding was razor-sharp; however, three run-outs made it even pricey for the Afghan batting.
Summary of Afghanistan innings
Afghans were unable to build up partnerships throughout the course of innings as Gurbaz was the only reasonable scorer. Wickets fell constantly, and this witnessed a tottering collapse towards their batting, and they achieved a total of 169. The wicket fall began as early as with Abdul Malik in the 6th over, Rahmat in the 8th over, and Shahidi in the 15th over saw the rapid middle-order collapse for Afghanistan as they failed to regain their lost back and were all out in just 34 overs.
South Africa’s Chase: Easy Win
Against Afghanistan’s 169, South Africa’s openers began cautiously. First to Fall: The South African skipper, Temba Bavuma, was the first to fall for 22 off 28 balls, bowled by Allah Ghazanfar in the 9th over. Then came Tony de Zorzi; he too did not stay for long as he scored 26 off 31 balls before being trapped lbw by Mohammad Nabi in the 12th over.
South Africa needed a quality partnership to grab the remaining runs and were well served by their all-rounder Aiden Markram. He played a superb knock of 69* off 67 balls. His innings consisted of six boundaries and three sixes, but he was very true to his calm composure and anchored the chase for South Africa.
Then came the Reeza Hendricks with his contribution of 18 runs off 31 balls, which he eventually saw leave via a catch by Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil off the bowling of Fareed Ahmad. By that time, Markram was well accompanied by Tristan Stubbs, who actually did not face any problems after this fall of his partner and sent Markram back home, along with being unbeaten on 26 off 42 balls with four boundaries.
South Africa chased the target quite comfortably in 33 overs with 7 wickets still in hand and thus sealed the series. This match was an ideal example of South African balanced team effort-from a well-controlled bowling to a well-timed chasing by Markram.
Struggling with Bowlers for Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s bowling attack, which seemed to hold some promise in the previous matches, failed to stop South Africa’s batters. Naveed Zadran opened the bowling with taking out 45 runs in his 5 overs. Allah Ghazanfar, though taking the wicket of Bavuma, gave away 38 runs in his 7 overs.
Eighteen was all that Fareed Ahmad could manage with the ball, restricting Reeza Hendricks in the other successful Afghanistan bowler. The inability of Afghanistan to take wickets at regular intervals meant South Africa cruised through to victory. Mohammad Nabi, one of the more experienced Afghan players, was also economical as just 37 runs were conceded off his 8 overs, along with a wicket.
Still, Afghanistan’s bowlers could hardly defend this small total, and fielding mistakes, along with three of their own runouts from batting, also marred their cause.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz stands tall despite Afghanistan’s loss
Afghanistan’s star performer, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, did not care if his team lost – he continued to thrill with his innings, which was Afghanistan’s solitary source of resistance. It was 89 off 94 balls and both, Player of the Match and Player of the Series, were his for this effort. Gurbaz’s aggressive batting at the top helped Afghanistan stay in the game as the rest went quiet.
Scoring 89 runs in this match and consistent displays throughout the series, Gurbaz has undoubtedly emerged as one of the difference-makers for Afghanistan. The ability to hold an innings together with a strike rate that does not compromise aggression earns him introduction as one of the exciting young talents in international cricket.
Conclusion: Comprehensive Win Sees South Africa Win the Series
South Africa won the third ODI and sealed their series victory against Afghanistan, crushing the host by 7 wickets. Even though Rahmanullah Gurbaz shone once again, South Africa’s disciplined bowling and confident chase was enough for Afghanistan to defend.
South Africa’s tremendous team effort, spearheaded by an unbeaten 69 from Aiden Markram all but ensured them a comfortable victory. Afghanistan, who suffered their third successive defeat, would do well to have a serious look at their batting and bowling strategy going into the next matches. Even in this defeat, Gurbaz was the shining light as his performance for Afghanistan offers a silver lining as they gird up for future competitions.
Read more about related articles, just click here
