Afghanistan stun South Africa with a sensational six-wicket win in Sharjah
Afghanistan shocked South Africa with a dominant six-wicket win in Sharjah, a stunning show of talent and tenacity. Afghanistan achieved yet another significant victory in their incredible ascent in international cricket, bowling out South Africa for a meager 106 runs, driven by a devastating bowling display from Fazalhaq Farooqi and AM Ghazanfar.
With this triumph, Afghanistan has conquered yet another elite side in white-ball cricket during the previous 12 months, adding South Africa to their expanding list of defeated opponents. Afghanistan’s record of triumphing against teams like England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia has reinforced their standing as one of the world’s most powerful cricketing nations.
Earlier The opening bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and AM Ghazanfar wreaked havoc in the powerplay, demonstrating Afghanistan’s superiority from the off. Farooqi swiftly changed his approach and hit a gold ball by changing his angle from over to around the wicket. During his destructive stint, he finished with outstanding figures of 4 for 35 in seven overs, taking four key wickets.
The first to go down was Reeza Hendricks, who played on to a wide ball. South Africa’s acting captain, Aiden Markram, met the same end. After top-edging a pull to midwicket, Tony de Zorzi became Farooqi’s third casualty, leaving South Africa reeling at 36 for 7 by the tenth over.
Ghazanfar’s spin, on the other hand, was also unplayable. The South African batsmen were confused by his variations and ability to extract turn on a sluggish, dry surface. Ghazanfar’s rapid rise in international cricket was shown by his 3 for 20 in only 7 overs, with wickets falling often to put pressure on the Proteas.
Mulder Engages in a Solo Conflict
Wiaan The only batsman from South Africa to give opposition was Mulder. Mulder showed resilience and willpower by scoring a patient 52 from 80 balls, saving some face for his team. Against Rashid Khan, he comfortably hit the lone six of the innings throughout his knock.
South Africa momentarily avoided the humiliation of their lowest-ever ODI total of 69 thanks to Mulder and Bjorn Fortuin’s partnership (who contributed 14 runs), but their efforts were too little, too late. Afghanistan was left with a modest target of 107 as South Africa’s innings was concluded in 34 overs when Mulder was dismissed by Farooqi in the 33rd over.
Afghanistan’s Pursuit: Composed Despite Stress
Afghanistan stayed composed in the face of pressure, even if their pursuit had an early glitch. Lungi Ngidi and the rest of South Africa’s bowling attack struck early and put Afghanistan on the defensive. Although Nandre Burger maintained pressure with tight bowling and Ngidi removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz on the third ball of the innings, the Afghan middle order held firm.
Afghanistan’s innings was steadied and anchored by Gulbadin Naib (34* off 30) and Azmatullah Omarzai (23 off 31 balls), who both played match-winning contributions. The chase was expedited by Naib’s assured stroke play, which included back-to-back sixes from Burger. He completed the task in style, scoring 13 runs off Andile Phehlukwayo’s second over.
With 24 overs remaining, the Afghans secured the match, demonstrating their supremacy throughout. The Sharjah audience cheered as the squad celebrated, understanding the importance of the victory for Afghanistan cricket.
