Afghanistan achieved its first-ever victory over South Africa in international cricket thanks to a masterful bowling display led by Fazalhaq Farooqi and 18-year-old prodigy Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar. This was a historic occasion for Afghan cricket.
After winning the toss, South Africa decided to bat, but Farooqi had an instant impact and their decision backfired dramatically. Early in the innings, the left-arm pacer removed Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks with decisive blows. Farooqi took Tony de Zorzi’s wicket as well, demonstrating his ongoing domination.
The true turning point was when Ghazanfar showed off his skill and removed rookie Jason Smith and Tristan Stubbs for ducks in the same over. Ghazanfar further destroyed the middle order as South Africa was reeling at 29/5, getting rid of Kyle Verreyne and Andile Phehlukwayo, the latter of whom was run out.
All South Africa could manage was 106 runs, despite a heroic half-century from Wiaan Mulder and a useful contribution from Bjorn Fortuin. They were now faced with the difficult job of defending a low total.
Afghanistan had a difficult start at bat, but an undefeated fifth-wicket stand between Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib took them through to win. Their calm performance made Afghanistan’s historic victory certain.
Afghanistan has not defeated South Africa in six meetings in all formats prior to this one. Afghanistan have previously struggled against South Africa, most notably in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals, when they were bowled out for just 56 runs.
With this victory, Afghanistan has now won in at least one format against every significant cricketing nation, with the exception of India and Nepal (who have only played one match).
Topics #AfghanistanCricket #CricketVictory #HistoricWin #SAvsAFG
