WATCH: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and birthday boy Rashid Khan create history in series win over South Africa

Afghanistan cricket team created history when they beat South Africa to win the ODI series. This is the first time the Afghan side has played South Africa in a bilateral series and they made it very memorable. Young opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz became the first Afghan batter to score a century against South Africa. 

Rashid Khan, who was celebrating his 26th birthday on Friday, picked a fifer. This was the best ever bowling figures by a bowler on the day he was celebrating turning a year older. The previous record was held by former South African pacer Vernon Philander. 

Gurbaz reaches his 7th ODI 💯 in some style! ✨#DidYouKnow: At the age of just 22, he holds the record for most ODI centuries by an Afghanistan player. 👏#AFGvSAonFanCode pic.twitter.com/QBU7Y93puq

— FanCode (@FanCode) September 20, 2024

In the end, Afghanistan won the game by a massive margin of 177 runs. Batting first, the Afghans scored 311 on the board. South Africa were bundled out for mere 134 runs to help the home record their best ever win in the ODI format. 

South Africa collapse to series loss against Afghanistan 

Hasmatullah Shahidi won the toss and chose to bat first as the home team posted 311 on the board. Aiden Markram gave the visitors the first wicket when he dismissed Riaz Hassan for 29. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah then added 101 runs for the 2nd wicket. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 105 off 110 balls with 10 fours and 3 sixes before falling to Nandre Burger. Azmatullah Omarzai compounded more misery on the visiting side by scoring 86 off 50 balls with 5 fours and 6 sixes. 

In reply, South Africa were all out for 134 with Temba Bavuma scoring 38. Tony De Zorzi scored 31 while Reeza Hendricks (17) and Aiden Markram (21) were the best batters. Rashid Khan bowled 9 overs and picked 5/19, while Nangeyalia Kharote picked 4/26. 

Speaking at the end of the game, Bavuma said, “Overall, not a good enough performance, not a good showing for us. We take the learnings and try to be as positive as we can, there is another opportunity for the guys to show what they can do out here. Overall, we need to be better.”

Rashid Khan, the man of the match, said, “Fifer after long time and I had a hamstring injury as well since a month, but I wanted to stay in the ground and help the team. It was a big opportunity for us to win an important series, so I wanted to contribute. I enjoy bowling with youngsters, I share my ideas with them and the best part is they listen and learn quickly.”

Skipper Shahidi said, “Congratulations to the whole nation for this fantastic series win. Everyone in the team and throughout the country will be very happy with this win. I think all of them were good, the way Gurbaz started and then the partnership with Rahmat, and then Azmat took the momentum away from them.”