Cricket Highlights, Sept 20: (2nd ODI) – Afghanistan vs South Africa

AFG vs SA (2nd ODI) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the 2nd ODI between Afghanistan and South Africa, played on September 20, 2024, at Sharjah. AFG produced a commanding performance, setting a formidable target of 312 runs for SA, thanks to stellar contributions from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai. 

In response, South Africa struggled to build partnerships and were bowled out for just 134, with Rashid Khan’s exceptional five-wicket haul leading the charge for Afghanistan. This dominant display resulted in Afghanistan securing a massive 177-run victory, showcasing their growing prowess in international cricket.

Afghanistan posted an imposing total of 311/4, powered by strong contributions from their top-order batters. In response, South Africa struggled to gain momentum and were bowled out for just 134 runs in 34.2 overs. Afghanistan’s bowlers dominated the match, ensuring a comprehensive win and taking a 2-0 lead in the series.

AFG flexed their batting muscles in Sharjah, piling up a mighty 311/4 in their 50 overs against South Africa. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the main architect, crafting a classy 105 off 110 balls, sprinkling 10 fours and 3 sixes like confetti. He built a rock-solid foundation, while Riaz Hassan chipped in with a steady 29 off 45, only to be sent packing by Aiden Markram’s sneaky LBW.

Rahmat Shah contributed a crucial 50 off 66 balls, but it was Azmatullah Omarzai’s explosive knock of 86* off just 50 balls that gave Afghanistan the late surge they needed. Omarzai hit 5 fours and 6 towering sixes, accelerating the innings in the final overs. Mohammad Nabi chipped in with 13 before getting out to Lungi Ngidi, but Omarzai’s power hitting took AFG past the 300-mark.

The South African bowlers struggled for breakthroughs. Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers with 1/50 in his 10 overs, keeping things tight, while Aiden Markram, Nandre Burger, and Nqabayomzi Peter each claimed a wicket. However, Afghanistan’s middle-order onslaught and consistent partnerships ensured a strong total of 311/4.

SA faltered in their chase of 312, being bowled out for 134 in just 34.2 overs as Afghanistan dominated with both ball and fielding. Captain Temba Bavuma provided a decent start with 38 off 47 balls, hitting 4 boundaries and a six. Tony de Zorzi contributed 31 off 44, but no other South African batter could build on these starts.

Rashid Khan was the star with the ball, spinning his magic and taking a superb 5-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5/19 in his 9 overs. Nangeyalia Kharote also played a crucial role, picking up 4 wickets for 26 runs, including key dismissals of Reeza Hendricks and Lungi Ngidi, completing South Africa’s collapse.

The middle-order crumbled quickly with Aiden Markram (21), Tristan Stubbs (5), and Kyle Verreynne (2) all falling cheaply. Rashid Khan’s wickets came in a flurry, and Nangeyalia Kharote cleaned up the lower order to end the South African innings at 134, giving Afghanistan a massive 177-run victory.

Afghanistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout, and South Africa had no answer to the combination of spin and disciplined seam bowling.

South Africa vs Afghanistan Scoreboard

Afghanistan –311/4 (50)

South Africa – (134 34.2/50)

Result – Afghanistan won by 177 runs

Player of the Match – Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan

AFG vs SA Playing Eleven

Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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