Afghanistan Crushes South Africa with a Record-Breaking 177-Run Victory in Sharjah
Afghanistan achieved a stunning 177-run win against South Africa in the second ODI at Sharjah, marking the nation’s biggest victory in the history of One Day Internationals (ODIs). With this triumph, Afghanistan sealed the three-match series 2-0, with one match still remaining.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan’s top order set the tone for a monumental score. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Riaz Hassan built a solid 89-run partnership for the first wicket, with Gurbaz playing a key role by smashing his seventh ODI century. His 105-run knock, alongside Azmatullah Omarzai’s blistering 86* off 50 balls, helped Afghanistan post an imposing total of 311/4 after 50 overs.
South Africa’s chase started with promise, as captain Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi added 73 runs for the opening wicket. However, Afghanistan’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Rashid Khan and Nangeyalia Kharote, dismantled the Proteas’ lineup. Rashid, celebrating his birthday in style, made history by becoming the first player ever to claim a five-wicket haul on his birthday, ending with figures of 5/19 in nine overs. Kharote supported him brilliantly, taking 4/26 in six overs. South Africa collapsed for 134 runs in 35 overs, handing Afghanistan their most significant win by runs in ODIs.
This victory also marked Rashid Khan’s entry into the record books, as his 5/19 now stands as the best bowling figures by a player on their birthday in ODI history.
Records Broken in the Match:
- Afghanistan’s biggest ODI win: 177 runs vs South Africa (2024).
- Rashid Khan: First player to take a five-wicket haul on his birthday in ODIs.
Biggest ODI Wins for Afghanistan (by runs):
- 177 vs South Africa, Sharjah, 2024
- 154 vs Zimbabwe, Sharjah, 2018
- 146 vs Zimbabwe, Sharjah, 2018
Best Bowling Figures on Their Birthday in ODIs:
- 5/19 – Rashid Khan vs South Africa, Sharjah, 2024
- 4/12 – Vernon Philander vs Ireland, Belfast, 2007
- 4/44 – Stuart Broad vs Australia, Cardiff, 2010
Afghanistan’s dominant display has set the stage for a potential 3-0 series sweep, with their players in top form and South Africa left reeling.
