Afghanistan have humiliated South Africa by six wickets in their first match of One-Day International series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. The visitors struggled against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack and were bundled out for 106.
Wiaan Mulder was the only South African batter to hit a half century for his side. He slammed 52 off 84 balls before being dismissed by pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi.
For Afghanistan, left-arm pacer Farooqi grabbed four wickets while 18-year-old off-spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar claimed three and veteran leggie Rashid Khan chipped in with a couple of scalps.
In response, Afghanistan chased down the target comfortably in 26 overs for loss of four wickets.
Hashmatullah Shahidi stabilized the innings after Afghanistan found themselves at 38 for 3, while a crucial 47-run partnership between Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib ensured the hosts’ victory.
Naib top-scored for Afghanistan with 35 in his maiden ODI. The second match of the series will be played on Friday, with the final game scheduled for Sunday.
kk/mud
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