Afghanistan Secures Historic ODI Victory Over South Africa with Six-Wicket Win
In a landmark achievement, Afghanistan’s cricket team secured their first-ever One Day International (ODI) victory against South Africa, clinching a six-wicket win in the opening match of a three-game series on Wednesday in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
South Africa struggled significantly, bowled out for just 106 runs in 33.3 overs after a disastrous start that saw them reeling at 36 for 7 within the first 10 overs. Afghanistan chased down the modest target comfortably, reaching 110 runs in just 26 overs.
Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai played pivotal roles in the innings, finishing not out with scores of 34 and 25, respectively, while forming an unbeaten partnership of 47 runs to secure the victory.
Fazalhaq Farooqi was instrumental in dismantling the South African batting lineup, taking 4 wickets for 35 runs, effectively putting pressure on the top order in challenging hot weather conditions.
Wiaan Mulder emerged as the top scorer for South Africa, notching up 52 runs off 84 balls—his highest score in ODIs and his first fifty for the national team. His partnership of 39 runs with Bjorn Fortuin for the eighth wicket was a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing innings. Fortuin contributed with 2 wickets for 22 runs in his nine overs, but his efforts only delayed the inevitable as Afghanistan confidently pursued their target.
