Afghanistan vs South Africa: 2nd ODI Highlights From Sharjah
The second ODI between Afghanistan and South Africa in Sharjah was a thriller, with the Proteas edging out Afghanistan by a narrow margin of 5 wickets. The match was a nail-biter right till the end, with South Africa needing 11 runs off the last over to win.
Afghanistan's Strong Start
Afghanistan, batting first, got off to a strong start, with Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz putting on a 77-run partnership for the first wicket. Zadran was the aggressor in the partnership, scoring a quickfire 64 off 58 balls, while Gurbaz played a more measured innings, scoring 43 runs off 49 balls.
H2: Afghan Middle Order Struggles
The Afghan middle order struggled to maintain the momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals. Najibullah Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai provided some resistance, but the Afghan innings eventually folded for 205 in 47.3 overs.
H2: South Africa's Chase
South Africa's chase started poorly, with Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks departing early. However, Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen steadied the ship with a crucial 114-run partnership for the third wicket. Markram was the more aggressive of the two, scoring 77 off 83 balls, while van der Dussen played a patient innings, scoring 51 off 83 balls.
H2: A Tense Finish
With the required run rate rising, South Africa found themselves in a tight spot. The introduction of spin bowlers, including Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, put pressure on the South African batsmen. However, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen kept their cool and took South Africa over the line with a few overs to spare.
H3: Key Highlights
- Ibrahim Zadran's quickfire 64 was a key factor in Afghanistan's strong start.
- Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen's crucial 114-run partnership turned the tide in favor of South Africa.
- David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen's calmness under pressure helped South Africa clinch a tense victory.
- Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman's spin bowling posed a significant threat to the South African batsmen.
H2: What's Next?
The third and final ODI between Afghanistan and South Africa will be played on 22 July at the same venue in Sharjah. The series is currently tied at 1-1, with the winner of the final ODI claiming the series.
