South Africa wins 3rd ODI avoids series whitewash humiliation to Afghanistan

 

South Africa secured victory in the third and final match of the ODI series against Afghanistan. Although Afghanistan had already won the series by claiming the first two matches, they faltered in the final game. Playing at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan was bowled out for a mere 169 runs. Thanks to Aiden Markram’s half-century, South Africa comfortably chased down the target in just 34 overs, winning by 7 wickets. Notably, Afghanistan was without star players Rashid Khan and Gulbadin Naib for this match.

Apart from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, all Afghan batsmen struggled. Gurbaz played a valiant innings of 89 runs from 94 balls, hitting 7 fours and 4 sixes. He was dismissed as the seventh wicket with the team’s score at 132. Only three Afghan batsmen managed to reach double digits. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi scored 10 runs off 17 balls, while lower-order batsman Allah Ghazanfar played a brisk knock of 31 runs from 15 balls. In terms of bowling, Lungi Ngidi, Kaba Peter, and Andile Phehlukwayo each took two wickets for South Africa.

South Africa's innings began steadily with Tony de Zorzi and captain Temba Bavuma putting up a 40-run partnership for the first wicket. Bavuma was dismissed for 22 by Ghazanfar. De Zorzi managed 26 runs, while Reeza Hendricks, batting at number three, contributed 18 runs. After losing three wickets for 80 runs, Aiden Markram took charge. He was well-supported by Tristan Stubbs, and together, they guided the team to victory. Markram remained unbeaten on 69 from 67 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes, while Stubbs added 26 runs.