Afghanistan secured their first One-Day International (ODI) series win against South Africa on Friday with a resounding 177-run victory, their largest margin by runs in 50-over internationals. The Afghans had won the first ODI of the three-match series by six wickets.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was Afghanistan’s top batsman with a score of 105, making him the first Afghan player to score seven ODI centuries. Afghanistan managed a total of 311 for 4 in the Sharjah heat, while South Africa conceded just 134 in the 35th over.
Rashid Khan, who celebrated his 26th birthday, took 5 wickets for 19 runs while Nangeyalia Kharote contributed 4 for 26. Afghanistan will be aiming for a series win in the final ODI on Sunday.

Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s first 300-run score against South Africa in an ODI. Apart from Gurbaz’ century, Omarzai remained unbeaten with 86 runs from 50 balls. Rahmat Shah also contributed a solid 50 runs.
Gurbaz played a maiden over of Björn Fortuin at 99, but then reached his century by sweeping Aiden Markram to square leg.
Nandre Burger eventually dismissed Gurbaz, but Afghanistan continued to build on their lead, scoring 93 runs in the last 10 overs.

South Africa’s bowlers had to contend with the humidity. Only the spinners Fortuin and Markram maintained some control, conceding 59 runs in their 14 overs.
South Africa began their comeback promisingly. Captain Temba Bavuma, returning from illness, scored 38 and shared a 73-run opening partnership with Tony de Zorzi, who scored 31. However, South Africa’s innings collapsed after Bavuma was run out when Omarzai struck.

After that, the Proteas’ run chase collapsed as they lost seven wickets for 39 runs, and Rashid Khan completed his five-wicket haul by bowling Markram for 21. Kharote concluded the innings, mirroring the collapse of the first ODI as South Africa fell to 36 for 7 in the first 10 overs.