South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE.
Afghanistan, led by standout performances from Fazalhaq Farooqi and 18-year-old rising star Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, secured their first-ever win against South Africa in international cricket. South Africa chose to bat but was immediately put on the back foot by Farooqi’s early breakthroughs. The left-arm pacer quickly dismissed Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram, coming around the wicket, and later removed Tony de Zorzi. Ghazanfar then took over, dismantling South Africa’s middle order by dismissing Tristan Stubbs and debutant Jason Smith for ducks in the same over. The Proteas found themselves in deep trouble at 29/5, which soon worsened to 36/7 after Ghazanfar claimed Kyle Verreynne’s wicket and Andile Phehlukwayo was run out.
Despite a resilient half-century from Wiaan Mulder and a supporting knock from Bjorn Fortuin, South Africa could only muster 106 runs, leaving Afghanistan in a strong position.
South Africa made a good start with the ball, but a steady unbeaten partnership between Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib for the fifth wicket saw Afghanistan achieve a historic victory. For more information:
