Cricket Highlights, Sept 18: Afghanistan tour of South Africa (1st ODI) – Afghanistan vs South Africa

Afghanistan vs South Africa (1st ODI) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the 1st ODI between Afghanistan and South Africa, held in Sharjah on September 18, 2024. Afghanistan secured a convincing 6-wicket victory over South Africa, successfully chasing a modest target of 107 runs. Afghanistan’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Ghazanfar, tore through South Africa’s batting lineup. With key support from Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai, the Afghan bowlers orchestrated a commanding win, leaving the Proteas in disarray. 

In the 1st ODI in Sharjah on September 18, 2024, South Africa struggled, being bowled out for just 106 runs. Afghanistan’s bowlers dominated the game, restricting the opposition to a low total. Chasing 107, Afghanistan reached the target comfortably, scoring 107/4 in just 26 overs, winning by 6 wickets with 144 balls remaining. It was a commanding performance by Afghanistan, showcasing their growing strength in international cricket.

In the 1st ODI between South Africa and Afghanistan, South Africa struggled immensely with the bat, managing only 106 runs in 33.3 overs. Afghanistan’s bowling attack, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, dismantled the South African batting lineup early, with wickets falling rapidly.

Reeza Hendricks (9) was the first to go, bowled by Farooqi, followed by captain Aiden Markram (2) and Tony de Zorzi (11), both also victims of Farooqi’s excellent spell. The middle order crumbled as Tristan Stubbs fell for a duck, and Kyle Verreynne (10) was trapped LBW by Ghazanfar. Jason Smith also departed without scoring, leaving South Africa reeling at 29-5.

Wiaan Mulder put out a strong effort, scoring the most with a resolute 52 off 84 balls, five boundaries, and one six. But from the lower echelon, he got little backing. Before being dismissed by Rashid Khan, who later trapped Lungi Ngidi LBW for a duck, Bjorn Fortuin scored sixteen. 

This put an end to South Africa’s innings. Ghazanfar claimed 3 wickets for just 20 runs, while Farooqi concluded with 4 wickets for 35 runs. After taking two wickets to end the innings, Rashid Khan bowled South Africa out for a pitiful 106.

In Afghanistan’s chase of 107 runs, they faced some early setbacks but ultimately secured a comfortable 6-wicket victory in 26 overs. South Africa struck early, with Lungi Ngidi removing opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck in the first over. Bjorn Fortuin then made further inroads, dismissing Rahmat Shah (8) and Riaz Hassan (16), leaving Afghanistan at 38-3.

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (16) looked to stabilize the innings but was trapped LBW by Aiden Markram, reducing Afghanistan to 60-4. However, Azmatullah Omarzai (25*) and Gulbadin Naib (34*) formed a crucial unbeaten partnership to guide Afghanistan to victory. Naib’s aggressive 34 off 27 balls, which included 3 fours and 2 sixes, ensured a quick finish with 144 balls remaining.

On the bowling front, Fortuin was the standout for South Africa, taking 2 wickets for 22 runs, while Ngidi and Markram claimed one wicket each. Despite their efforts, Afghanistan chased down the modest target with ease.

South Africa vs Afghanistan Scoreboard

South Africa – 106

Afghanistan – 107/4 (26/50)

Result – Afghanistan won by 6 wickets 

Player of the Match – Fazalhaq Farooqi

Fazalhaq Farooqi

South Africa vs Afghanistan Playing Eleven

Visit JeetBuzz News to access our Highlights that are just for you and reminisce about all of your favorite cricket nostalgia moments while being thrilled by our solid Cricket Highlights updates. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!