Afghanistan achieved their first-ever One Day International victory by defeating a weakened South Africa by six wickets in the opening match of their three-match series in Sharjah on Wednesday.
South Africa, missing several key players and captain Temba Bavuma due to illness, struggled significantly, getting bowled out for just 106 runs in 33.3 overs. The team faced a disastrous start, collapsing to 36-7 within the first ten overs. Only Wiaan Mulder stood firm, scoring a maiden ODI half-century with 52 runs.
In reply, Afghanistan encountered an early hurdle, slipping to 38-3. However, they stabilized their innings and comfortably chased down the modest target, finishing at 107 runs in just 26 overs. Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai played crucial roles, remaining unbeaten with scores of 34 and 25, respectively, while forming a key 47-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Fazalhaq Farooqi excelled with the ball, taking four wickets for 35 runs, supported by spinner AM Ghazanfar, who impressed with figures of 3-20, effectively dismantling South Africa’s top order on a spin-friendly pitch.
The two teams are set to face off again in the second match of the series on Friday at the same venue.
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