Afghanistan secured a commanding six-wicket victory over South Africa in the first match of their One Day International (ODI) series, as South Africa crumbled to a modest total of 106.
South Africa, batting first, struggled against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
By the 33rd over, they were bowled out for just 107 runs, setting Afghanistan a straightforward target. Afghan bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and AM Ghazanfar stunned South Africa early, reducing them to 36 for 7 in the first ten overs — their worst-ever start in ODIs. A 39-run eighth-wicket partnership between Wiaan Mulder and Bjorn Fortuin spared South Africa from their lowest ODI total of 69 but still marked the lowest score by a top-ten ranked team against Afghanistan.
In response, Afghanistan chased down the target comfortably in 26 overs, losing four wickets along the way. Hashmatullah Shahidi stabilized the innings after Afghanistan found themselves at 38 for 3, while a crucial 47-run partnership between Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib ensured their victory with 24 overs to spare.
This victory adds to Afghanistan’s impressive run in white-ball internationals over the past year, which includes key wins at the 2023 World Cup and the T20 World Cup. The next two matches in the series will take place on Friday and Sunday.
Afghanistan’s bowlers dominated throughout, highlighting their growing presence in international cricket outside of World Cup tournaments.
