AFG VS SA ODI

Right then, that's all we have from the second ODI, where Afghanistan dominated with both bat and ball, securing the series with a game to spare. They will be eager to inflict further misery on the Proteas and complete a clean sweep. As for South Africa, they will be the first to admit they have been outplayed in both departments by the Asian side across these two games. It's now about pride and a chance to end the series on a high in the final ODI. South Africa face a quick turnaround, with the third and final ODI of the series set for Sunday, 22nd September. The first ball will be bowled at 12 pm GMT. As always, you can join us early for the build-up. See you then. Cheers!

Afghanistan captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi expresses immense pride and joy after his team's series win over South Africa, extending his congratulations to the nation. He acknowledges the significance of the victory and how it has delighted both the team and the supporters back home. Shahidi praises the standout performances, particularly the partnership between Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah, and the impactful finish by Azmatullah. He also highlights the contributions of Rashid Khan, Kharote, and Nabi with the ball. Shahidi reassures fans that Rahmat Shah, who walked off due to cramps, is expected to be fit for the third ODI.

The captain of South Africa, Temba Bavuma says that the foundation was there, but as the wickets started falling, it became really difficult to stay in the game. Feels that they just weren't good enough on the day, and there aren’t a lot of positives to take from this performance. Reckons that they will need to take the learnings, reflect, and remain as positive as they can heading into the final game. Further says that they need to step up in both departments and admits that Afghanistan have been much more clinical than them so far. Tells that the third ODI will be another opportunity for the boys to regroup. States that they weren't able to take ten wickets, and that's something they need to address.

Rashid Khan is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his outstanding performance with the ball. He becomes the first player to take a five-wicket haul on his birthday in an ODI. Rashid expresses his delight after taking a five-wicket haul, his first in a long time. Despite battling a hamstring issue, he is thrilled to have contributed to Afghanistan's victory. Rashid enjoys bowling alongside young talents like Kharote and Ghazanfar, noting their willingness to learn and improve, both in practice and during matches. He emphasizes the importance of seizing the opportunity to win a series against South Africa, crediting the physio for his recovery. Determined to help his team, he pushed through the injury and is pleased with the result.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, after opting to bat first, Afghanistan’s openers gave them a solid platform. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, shaky at the start, grew in confidence and punished any loose deliveries. Rahmat Shah played the ideal supporting role while Gurbaz continued to attack. Gurbaz brought up his 7th ODI century, becoming Afghanistan’s leading centurion in the format, but fell soon after, followed by Rahmat after his fifty. Promoted to number 4, Azmatullah Omarzai kept the momentum going, ensuring the innings stayed on track. With Rashid Khan struggling at the other end due to a hamstring issue, Omarzai needed to bat through and so he did to propel his team to 311.

After a promising 73-run opening stand, the Proteas’ innings began to unravel with the introduction of spin from both ends. Rashid Khan and Nangeyalia Kharote spun a web around the South African batters, who struggled to read the variations, both from the hand and off the pitch. The chase collapsed alarmingly, with South Africa losing all 10 wickets for just 61 runs, turning a solid start into a disastrous finish. They found themselves bowled out for 134 as the Asian side completed a win by a margin of 177 runs, their biggest win in terms of runs in ODIs. Rashid Khan, celebrating his birthday, was the star of the show with a sensational five-wicket haul, while Kharote chipped in with four wickets to cap off a memorable performance.

With 285 being the highest successful chase in ODIs at Sharjah, South Africa knew they were in for a challenging task. A solid start was essential to set the tone for the chase, and Temba Bavuma, alongside Tony de Zorzi, did just that. The duo managed to negotiate the early threat posed by Fazalhaq Farooqi and AM Ghazanfar, giving South Africa a steady platform. However, neither Bavuma nor de Zorzi could convert their starts into substantial scores.

Mission accomplished for Afghanistan! Hashmatullah Shahidi and his men have done it, securing a historic series win over South Africa. Their remarkable rise in white-ball cricket continues, and one can only imagine the jubilation unfolding in Kabul and all over Afghanistan right now. For the Proteas, although they fielded a relatively inexperienced side, this was a prime opportunity for their seasoned campaigners to step up, something they couldn’t manage in both games. As a result, South Africa found themselves on the losing side in both encounters and will need to regroup for the final game with only pride at stake.

OUT! TIMBER! It's all over and Afghanistan have created history in Sharjah! Afghanistan have won the ODI Series against South Africa with a game to spare. Nangeyalia Kharote bowls another arm ball around the leg stump line. Lungi Ngidi gets down on one knee and looks to play the slog sweep. In the end, he misses, and the ball crashes into the leg stump. South Africa are bundled out for 134 and lose the encounter by 177 runs!

OUT! TIMBER! It's all over and Afghanistan have created history in Sharjah! Afghanistan have won the ODI Series against South Africa with a game to spare. Nangeyalia Kharote bowls another arm ball around the leg stump line. Lungi Ngidi gets down on one knee and looks to play the slog sweep. In the end, he misses, and the ball crashes into the leg stump. South Africa are bundled out for 134 and lose the encounter by 177 runs!

Comes from around the wicket and bowls on a nagging length ball at the stumps, and turns it away from the batter. Lungi Ngidi closes his bat face, looking to work it on the onside and manages a leading edge to the left of point for a couple.

Pitches the ball around off stump, on the nagging length. Burger defends it on the front foot and returns it to the bowler.

Fuller delivery outside off. Ngidi drives the ball down to wide long off for a single.

Bowls a fuller delivery outside off. Ngidi pushes it off the front foot towards covers.

Tossed up delivery around fifth stump, Ngidi prods forward to block it off but gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball turns away.

Lungi Ngidi is the last man in.