South Africa won a much-needed victory against Afghanistan in the final match of their One Day International series in Sharjah on Sunday, winning by seven wickets. The South African team bounced back resiliently after being defeated heavily by them twice in this series.
In reply to a modest Afghanistan total of 169, South Africa reached 170 for three wickets inside 33 overs. An unbeaten 69 from Aiden Markram was ably supported by not-out 26s each from Tristan Stubbs.
Afghanistan, who had earlier bossed the series with wins in the first two matches, never quite got going this time around. The team had earlier skittled South Africa for a low score en route to a comprehensive win, but this time around, found themselves faltering despite winning the toss and opting to bat first.
Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz added only 89 runs off 94 balls and was caught on the boundary, thereby missing out on yet another century after his 105 in the last game.
Afghanistan received a spate of mishaps-three runouts-to further dent their progress. Key players like Rahmat Shah and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi were run out at critical junctures with Afghanistan reeling at 132 for seven.
The loss of three wickets at the opening for 80 runs did not derail the South African run chase to victory, especially since the 90-run partnership between Markram and Stubbs sealed the win and restored confidence in themselves going into further matches.
