Afghanistan clinch ODI series against South Africa

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan have crushed South Africa by 177 runs in the second One-Day International, clinching the series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Afghan skipper Shahidi won the toss and decided to bat first. Opener Rahmanullah Gurzab hit a century to help his side set a massive 312 runs target for the opposition.

Gurbaz slammed 105 runs off 110 balls, while Azmatullah Omarzai struck 86 runs off 50 deliveries.

It was the seventh century in the 22-year-old’s Gurbaz’s ODI career and included 10 fours and three sixes.

Rahmat Shah also hit his 29th half century and chipped in with 50.

For the visitors, Lungi Ngidi and Aiden Markram claimed one wicket each.

In reply, South African openers, skipper Temba Bavuma, who top-scored with 38, and Tony de Zorzi (31) put on 73 for the first wicket.

But once they had departed, the Proteas fell apart and were bundled out for just 134 runs in the 35th over.

For Afghanistan, veteran leggie Rashid Khan, on his birthday, grabbed five wickets, while off-spinner Nangyalai Kharoti claimed four scalps.

“I had a hamstring injury but I tried my best to stay on the ground and do my best for the team,” said man-of-the-match Rashid after taking 5-19.

“It was a great opportunity for us to win the series against a big team, so I had to stay till the end,” he added.

The two sides will meet in their final clash of the series on Sunday.

kk/mud