Last Updated on 5 months by Charbel Coorey
AFG vs SA 1st ODI Reactions: Afghanistan have added another chapter in their growing list of amazing moments, knocking off South Africa for the first time in international cricket. In the first of three ODIs in Sharjah, Afghanistan ripped through the Proteas batting lineup, with Wiaan Mulder’s half-century helping South Africa scrape past 100.
Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar announced himself on the international stage. The 18-year-old, who had played just two ODIs previously without taking a wicket, bamboozled the South African middle order, turning the ball both ways to finish with 3/20 off 10 overs. This was after Fazalhaq Farooqi, who finished with 4/35, took the first three wickets to fall, taking advantage of the lower bounce on the relaid Sharjah pitch.
South Africa would surely take lessons from their dismal showing. Both Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram inexplicably played so far away from their body to chop on. Tony de Zorzi tried to lift the pressure and offered an easy catch to mid on trying to pull a good length delivery outside offstump. The middle order, apart from Mulder, had no clue against the spinners.
Afghanistan had their own challenges, falling to 38/3 and 60/4 against a disciplined South Africa attack. However, Gulbadin Naib took matters into his own hands, hitting a quickfire 27-ball 34 to seal a huge win with 144 balls to spare.
Seeing the conditions comprising of a slow, low pitch and lush, slow outfield, a total of 220-230 batting first can work wonders. So, setting up a platform will be a priority in the second match.
AFG vs SA 1st ODI Reactions: Afghanistan hammer sloppy South Africa
Andile Phehlukwayo’s dismissal – similar to that of Jonny Bairstow in the 2023 Ashes – summed up South Africa’s showing. It was chaotic and lacked any sort of composure. They now face a big fight to stay in the series.
Fans on X praised Afghanistan for yet another excellent showing. South Africa were criticised, with calls for Aiden Markram to lead the way. Here are some the reactions.
The second ODI will be played on Friday at Sharjah. The third ODI will be played at the same venue on Sunday.
