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Afghanistan made history with a convincing 177-run victory over South Africa as they sealed their first-ever series win against a top-five-ranked ICC team. Having already dominated the Proteas in the first game, Afghanistan made full use of their batting to post a formidable 311 for 4 as South Africa was forced to chase their sixth-highest target in ODI history. The South African side collapsed as they suffered all ten wickets for 61 runs and suffered their fifth-largest defeat by runs. The series is now in favor of Afghanistan with a 2-0 lead in the five-match series and still have one game to go.
Rashid Khan Shines on His Birthday
Rashid Khan, who is one day shy of 26, marked this special day with good riddance as he grabbed his fifth ODI five-wicket haul besides playing an important role in breaking down the South African batting lineup for the fifth time. The ace bowler finished off the game with extraordinary figures of 5-19 by sharing the honors with left-hand spinner Nangeyalia Kharote, who too registered a career-best 4-26.
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Gurbaz Sets the Stage with a Century
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the man with the bat, scoring his seventh ODI century and taking over as Afghanistan's leading century-maker in the format, pushing Mohammad Shahzad from the number-one position. He scored 105 off 125 balls, with key partnerships for Riaz Hassan (88 for the first wicket) and Rahmat Shah (101 for the second wicket). And Gurbaz's century did a lot for Afghanistan's total coming together.
Omarzai's Power-Packed Finish
Azmatullah Omarzai provided fireworks to the last 10 overs as he hit 86* off 50 balls, including four sixes. His quick fifty off just 32 balls helped Afghanistan add 93 runs in the final ten overs and take their total past 300.
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South Africa's Chase Struggles
It was a decent chase for South Africa as batters Temba Bavuma, the skipper, and Tony de Zorzi added 73 runs to the opening stand before Bavuma fell for 38. From there, Afghanistan's bowlers exercised strict control. Nothing helped the Proteas suddenly take a swing at the game as Rashid Khan struck within no time to send de Zorzi back, and further wickets fell at an interval pace thereafter.
Spin Masters Take Charge
Afghanistan's spinners strangled South Africa's batting order in the first innings, with a killing spree by Kharote and Rashid. Then, Reeza Hendricks and Tristan Stubbs were returned quickly and then Kyle Verreynne and Aiden Markram departed soon after it as South Africa ran 134 all over it and could not counterattack the spinning attack.
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