Second ODI: Afghanistan defeats South Africa to clinch series

Sharjah: Afghanistan secured a dominant 2-0 lead in the three-match series by defeating South Africa by a margin of 177 runs.

In the second match of the series played in Sharjah, South Africa was all out for 134 runs while attempting to chase a target of 312.

South Africa’s top scorer was captain Temba Bavuma with 38 runs, followed by Tony de Zorzi with 31. Other contributions included Aiden Markram with 21, Reeza Hendricks with 17, Tristan Stubbs and Kabelo Petersen both scoring 5, Lungi Ngidi with 3, and Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder each making 2. Bjorn Fortuin was dismissed without scoring.

Nandre Burger remained not out with 1 run as South Africa’s innings came to an end.

For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan was the standout bowler, taking 5 wickets, with Nangyal Khurote claiming 4 wickets, and Azmatullah Omarzai taking 1.

Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat, Afghanistan set a strong total of 311 runs for 4 wickets in their 50 overs.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the star with the bat for Afghanistan, scoring 105 runs. Rahmat Shah added 50 runs, Riaz Hassan scored 29, and Mohammad Nabi managed 13 before getting out.

Azmatullah Omarzai remained unbeaten on 86, while Rashid Khan was not out on 6.

For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Nandre Burger, and Kabelo Petersen each took 1 wicket.