Afghanistan achieved their first-ever One Day International victory against a depleted South Africa, winning by six wickets in the opening match of their three-match series in Sharjah on Wednesday.
South Africa, missing several key players and captain Temba Bavuma due to illness, struggled significantly, being bowled out for just 106 runs in 33.3 overs.
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The team quickly faltered, collapsing to 36-7 within the first ten overs, with only Wiaan Mulder providing resistance by scoring a maiden ODI half-century of 52 runs.
In reply, Afghanistan faced an early challenge, slipping to 38-3, but they steadily chased down the modest target, finishing at 107 runs in just 26 overs.
Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai were pivotal in guiding the team to victory, remaining unbeaten at 34 and 25, respectively, while forming a crucial 47-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Fazalhaq Farooqi was key with the ball, taking four wickets for 35 runs, and spinner AM Ghazanfar supported him with impressive figures of 3-20, dismantling South Africa’s top order on a spin-friendly pitch.
The two teams will face off again for the second match of the series on Friday at the same venue.
