3rd ODI: Aiden Markram hands South Africa consolation win vs Afghanistan

South Africa grabbed a consolation win against Afghanistan in the 3rd and final ODI match of the series. South Africa bowlers finally fired and guided the team to a comprehensive win in Sharjah.

In Short

• South Africa beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets in final ODI
• Aiden Markram starred in the team's victory
• Afghanistan won the series 2-1

Temba Bavuma's South Africa denied a Afghanistan a cleansweep by winning the 3rd and final ODI of the series. Proteas were clinical on the day, clinching the match by 7 wickets at Sharjah on Sunday, September 22. Chasing 170, Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs starred as the visitors finished the game with 7 wickets and 17 overs in hand.

This victory not only salvaged pride for the Proteas but also provided some momentum as they prepared for their upcoming series against Ireland. Afghanistan, having dominated the first two matches, fell short on the day, resulting in a 2-1 series win.

Chasing a target of 170 runs, South Africa faced a challenging task, especially given their struggles against spin throughout the series. Afghanistan had the opportunity to make things difficult for the South African batsmen. Although Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi started cautiously, neither could convert their innings into a substantial score. Reeza Hendricks also failed to make an impact, leaving the match hanging in the balance. Despite Afghanistan’s efforts to chip away at the top order, they could not secure wickets in clusters, which could have turned the game in their favour.

AFG vs SA, 3rd ODI: Highlights

The turning point for South Africa came from the key partnership between Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs. The pair shared an unbeaten 90-run stand, mixing caution with smart strike rotation. Their ability to keep the scoreboard ticking was crucial in countering the Afghan spin threat and alleviating pressure. As the innings progressed, both batsmen grew in confidence, with Markram particularly asserting himself and ensuring no further hiccups occurred.

Earlier in the match, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first. South Africa's bowlers executed their plans well, consistently targeting the stumps during the Powerplay. The visitors capitalised on their chances throughout the middle phase, with three run-outs contributing significantly to Afghanistan's downfall. Although Rahmanullah Gurbaz kept the runs flowing, his aggressive approach ultimately led to his dismissal. Allah Ghazanfar added some late fireworks but was left stranded as Afghanistan was bowled out for 169 with 16 overs remaining.

For South Africa, the bowling effort was complemented by solid fielding, with Lungi Ngidi, Nqabayomzi Peter, and Andile Phehlukwayo each claiming two wickets, while Bjorn Fortuin chipped in with one.

AFG vs SA: Series So Far

In the three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and South Africa, played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE, Afghanistan dominated the first two matches, securing a 2-0 lead in the series.

The first ODI saw Afghanistan achieve their first-ever ODI victory against South Africa. South Africa, who won the toss, elected to bat first but had a disastrous start. Their batting lineup was dismantled by Afghanistan's potent bowling attack, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Allah Ghazanfar. By the end of the first powerplay, South Africa were reeling at 36/7, highlighting the effectiveness of Afghanistan's bowlers. Wiaan Mulder's gritty 52 runs helped South Africa post a modest total of 106 before being bowled out in 33.3 overs.

Afghanistan's chase was smooth and composed, with Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib playing crucial roles in stabilising the innings. Naib's unbeaten 34 runs ensured Afghanistan reached the target of 107 runs in just 26 overs, securing a comprehensive six-wicket victory. Bjorn Fortuin's 2 wickets for South Africa were not enough to derail Afghanistan's comfortable chase.

In the second ODI, Afghanistan continued their dominant form. Winning the toss, Afghanistan's captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chose to bat first, citing the favourable batting conditions. Afghanistan posted a strong total of 311/4 in their 50 overs, thanks to significant contributions from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (105 runs off 110 balls) and Azmatullah Omarzai (86 runs off 50 balls).

South Africa's response was inadequate as they struggled against Afghanistan's bowling. Rashid Khan was particularly devastating, taking 5 wickets for 19 runs in his 9 overs, while Nangeyalia Kharote contributed with 4 wickets for 26 runs in 6.2 overs. South Africa were bowled out for 134 runs in 34.2 overs, resulting in a massive 177-run victory for Afghanistan. This win sealed the series for Afghanistan, with one match still to play.

The second match highlighted the gulf in performance between the two teams, with Afghanistan's batting and bowling units performing in tandem to outclass South Africa. The series victory marked a significant milestone for Afghanistan, showcasing their growth and competitiveness in international cricket.