South Africa’s consolation victory, 2-1, capped their ninth successful win in 22 games since 2021 as they finished their three-match series against Afghanistan. South Africa’s bowlers and fielders completely changed the course of the contest by removing Afghanistan in 34 overs. This left their batters with a small goal to chase after being outplayed in the first two games.
In ten innings, Aiden Markram hit his first fifty in an ODI, and he and Tristan Stubbs combined for a 90-run partnership at the fourth wicket. Stubbs is limited to just four ODI appearances, but more importantly, he was allowed to bat the whole way through. Afghanistan’s attack lacked intensity due to Rashid Khan’s hamstring injury sustained in the second match and Fazalhaq Faooqi’s rest. They did not have as much to work with as they would have liked following their batting errors.
South Africa’s Fielding Strength
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who was the only player in the top eight to score more than ten, once again maintained Afghanistan’s innings. He increased his lead at the top of the series run-scorers statistics and was 11 runs shy of a second consecutive century in the ODI format. AM Ghazanfar set a goal of 170 for South Africa by scoring 31 off 15 balls while playing at No. 9. They came in 33 overs later.
Lungi Ngidi and Bjorn Fortuin worked effectively together in the new ball, and they also helped fuel South Africa’s excitement in the field. Run-outs accounted for three of the first five wickets taken by Afghanistan, giving South Africa an edge they had not enjoyed in the prior two matches. Ngidi was quite efficient up front with his slow balls and assortment of cuts.
His breakthrough came early on when he played all around a straight delivery to trap rookie opener Abdul Malik on the pad. Ngidi achieved what was possibly a bigger breakthrough in his next over when Gurbaz drove him high. He held out his right hand, allowing the ball to graze his finger before ricocheting off Rahmat Shah and onto the stumps. Rahmat was out of position on the non-striker’s end.
Markram Takes Charge
De Zorzi offered Ghazanfar a second chance in the following over, but the ball bounced right in front of him after Bavuma played Ghazanfar down the wrong line and was bowled. De Zorzi was stranded left-handed after staying back in his crease against Nabi, just when it appeared that his lucky life had no more meaning. Markram took over as leader for the rest of the chase and offered Stubbs some wise counsel.
The two first avoided danger and took it easy, but they also launched attacks when they felt like it. For the first boundary in ten overs, Markam slog-swept. Then she drove him through the covers, Nangeyalia Kharote. After that, singles were played again until Stubbs pulled Fareed behind square. When Markram smashed Nabi for two sixes in one over, it was evident how aggressive he was against spin. Without losing, he scored 50 off 54 balls and ended with 69 off 67 balls. After leading South Africa to victory and losing to Fareed on the 18th, Stubbs reviewed with success.
Final Verdict
South Africa wins much-needed confidence as the series nears its conclusion with this decisive victory against Afghanistan. Securing the win was greatly aided by Aiden Markram’s leadership and skill in the crease. Undoubtedly, despite earlier losses, the captain effectively showcased the team’s potential. South Africa can carry this momentum into the following major series with solid performances from both their bowlers and batters.
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