Afghanistan vs South Africa 3rd ODI: Live Updates and Match Highlights
The cricketing showdown between Afghanistan and South Africa in the third and final ODI of their bilateral series took place at the revered Sharjah Cricket Stadium on September 22, 2024. This encounter was set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s remarkable series lead, having already secured the first two matches, and with it, their first-ever series win over the Proteas. With the series already in the bag, Afghanistan aimed to achieve an even more incredible feat—a 3-0 whitewash against a historically dominant cricketing nation.
Having won the toss, Afghanistan chose to bat, a decision met with eager anticipation. The innings, however, unfolded differently than they had planned. The Afghan batting lineup, despite flashes of brilliance, managed to tally just 169 runs, being bowled out inside 34 overs. This score was largely facilitated by the efforts of opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who has been a consistent performer throughout the series. His role at the top order has been pivotal for Afghanistan, providing them with solid starts.
While the Afghan batsmen struggled to maintain partnerships, the South African bowlers capitalized on the situation. Their disciplined bowling attack, coupled with sharp fielding, restricted Afghanistan's score to a chaseable target. South African bowlers showcased their skills with clinical precision, effectively dismantling the opposition batting order. Key wickets at regular intervals thwarted any plans Afghanistan had for a substantial total. As the innings progressed, it became evident that 169 might not be enough against a determined South African lineup.
In response, South Africa approached the chase methodically. Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram stood out as the architects of their successful pursuit. Their partnership was marked by calculated aggression and smart cricketing shots, demonstrating their experience and temperament. Hendricks' assertive stroke play and Markram’s sturdy presence at the crease ensured that the chase remained on track. They meticulously chipped away at the target, maintaining a steady run rate, and kept the pressure from mounting.
Despite the defensive efforts from Afghanistan’s young spinners AM Ghazanfar and Nangeyalia Kharote, South Africa cruised toward victory, reaching the target in 33 overs with 7 wickets to spare. Both Ghazanfar and Kharote have emerged as promising talents for Afghanistan, particularly in this series, with their ability to trouble established batsmen. Although they couldn’t turn the tide in the third ODI, their performances throughout the series have been commendable and augur well for Afghanistan’s future in cricket.
The match, which was live-streamed on the Eurosport network and the Fancode app and website, captivated fans worldwide. The anticipation and excitement surrounding the potential Afghan whitewash underscored the global interest in the series. While Afghanistan couldn’t secure the 3-0 victory, their dominant performance throughout the series left an indelible mark in the cricketing world.
Despite the defeat in the third ODI, the Afghani team’s spirits were high as they celebrated their historic series win—a first against a cricketing giant like South Africa. This series victory signifies a major achievement in Afghanistan’s cricketing journey, reflecting their ascent in international cricket. The lessons learned and the experience gained from this series will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s growth and development.
For South Africa, the win in the final ODI served as a consolation and a reminder of their resilience. Their ability to bounce back and avoid a series whitewash displayed their competitive edge and determination. As they regroup and analyze the series, South Africa would look to build on this win and address the areas of concern that led to the earlier defeats.
Summing up the series, it has been an enthralling contest filled with significant performances, emerging talents, and historical milestones. Afghanistan’s victory not only boosts their confidence but also inspires a generation of cricketers in the country. This series will be remembered for its spirited competition and the emergence of new cricketing talents who have the potential to shine on the global stage.
Key Takeaways from the Series
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s consistency at the top order has been a highlight for Afghanistan, providing reliable starts.
- The emergence of young spinners AM Ghazanfar and Nangeyalia Kharote as formidable bowlers.
- South Africa’s fightback in the third ODI, avoiding a series whitewash.
- The series victory signifies a major achievement in Afghanistan’s cricketing journey.
- The global interest and viewership underscore the significance of the series.
As fans and analysts alike look forward to future encounters, this series sets a precedent for more exciting and competitive matches between the two teams. The journey ahead promises to be thrilling, with both Afghanistan and South Africa aiming for greater heights in international cricket.
Rahul kumar
September 24, 2024 AT 03:26Yo guys the Afghan side really showed they can push big scores even when the wickets fall quick They need to work on rotating the strike more and keep the run rate steady instead of going for low balls The openers like Gurbaz are doing great but the middle order should back him up with quick singles and a few boundaries also the spinners could vary their lengths more to keep the SA batsmen guessing Keep training hard you guys are on the rise
mary oconnell
October 12, 2024 AT 15:53Wow, what a groundbreaking "milestone" for the cricketing elite, truly a paradigm shift-Afghanistan turning the tables on the Proteas like it’s just another Tuesday. The stats, the analytics, the whole thing screams "upset of the century" in the most understated way possible. Congrats on redefining “underdog” with a splash of statistical flair.
Michael Laffitte
October 31, 2024 AT 04:19Indeed, the fire that ignited in Sharjah was nothing short of theatrical-every wicket a crescendo, every run a drumbeat echoing through the stadium. Your point about rotating the strike hits the mark, and I can feel the adrenaline surging just reading it. The series has been a roller‑coaster of emotions, and the Afghan spirit shines brighter than ever.
sahil jain
November 18, 2024 AT 16:46What an epic showdown! The energy on the field was electric and the fans were buzzing nonstop 😎 Keep cheering on the lads, they’ve proven they belong among the greats.
Bruce Moncrieff
December 7, 2024 AT 05:13Look at those numbers they flipped the script and it’s a lesson in resilience Good thing the Afghan bowlers kept their heads in the game and showed us all how to bounce back The series is a masterclass in adaptation and teamwork Keep learning the game is full of surprises
Dee Boyd
December 25, 2024 AT 17:39The ethical implications of a dominant team being humbled cannot be ignored; this series serves as a case study in competitive balance and the moral obligations of cricketing federations to nurture emerging nations.
Carol Wild
January 13, 2025 AT 06:06One cannot simply overlook the subtle undercurrents that permeate the modern cricketing landscape, especially when an underdog triumphs over a historically privileged powerhouse. The narrative, however, is far from innocuous; it is laced with covert agendas and hidden financiers who profit from the spectacle. Some whisper that the broadcasting rights were deliberately manipulated to favor emerging markets, creating an illusion of fairness. There are rumors that data analytics firms fed selective information to the Afghan coaching staff, giving them an edge no one else possessed. Moreover, the equipment suppliers allegedly supplied a batch of balls with altered seam properties, subtly favoring spin. Critics argue that such a convergence of conspiratorial elements is far-fetched, yet the pattern of unexpected victories cannot be dismissed as mere chance. The timing of the series, coinciding with geopolitical shifts, further fuels speculation about strategic soft power displays. Whenever we examine the performance metrics, we see anomalies that defy conventional statistical models. This has led some purists to question the integrity of the results, calling for an independent audit. The truth, perhaps, lies somewhere between genuine sporting achievement and orchestrated drama, a duality that keeps us perpetually skeptical. In any case, the series has ignited a firestorm of debate, compelling fans and analysts alike to reassess their assumptions about fairness in sport. Whether one embraces the triumph as a symbol of progress or views it through a lens of distrust, the conversation will undoubtedly continue. The very existence of such divergent viewpoints underscores the complexity of modern cricket, where every boundary may mask a deeper narrative. Ultimately, truth may be elusive, but the discourse it generates is undeniably valuable, prompting us to scrutinize the structures that govern competition. As we move forward, we must remain vigilant, questioning not only the scores but the motives behind them, lest we become unwitting participants in a grander design.
Rahul Sharma
January 31, 2025 AT 18:33The third ODI, while culminating in a South African victory, offered a wealth of analytical insight, particularly regarding Afghanistan’s strategic deployment of their spin duo, AM Ghazanfar and Nangeyalia Kharote; their variations in flight, pace, and turn were, frankly, commendable, especially considering the pressure of defending a modest total. However, the decision to bat first, despite a historically advantageous chase record at Sharjah, warrants scrutiny, as the pitch’s subtle deterioration did not favor middle‑order resilience, a factor that the coaching staff perhaps under‑estimated. Moreover, Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s opening partnership, though solid, lacked the aggressive intent needed to set a commanding platform, a nuance that could have been mitigated by a more proactive approach during the Powerplay. The South African bowlers, on the other hand, executed their roles with surgical precision-notice the disciplined line and length from the pace attack, complemented by the measured use of the second new ball, which induced critical dismissals at regular intervals. In the chase, Reeza Hendricks’s strike‑rate, combined with Aiden Markram’s anchor‑style innings, exemplified a textbook chase scenario: aggression tempered by calculated risk, ensuring the required run rate never escalated beyond control. From a fielding perspective, South Africa’s agility and throw‑accuracy contributed significantly to building pressure, converting half‑chances into wickets, an aspect that Afghanistan’s fielding unit must address through targeted drills. Looking ahead, Afghanistan’s young spinners should be integrated more prominently, given their capacity to generate breakthroughs, but they also need to develop a repertoire of defensive deliveries to contain runs in the death overs. Additionally, the batting order could benefit from a slight reshuffle-perhaps promoting an all‑rounder to the No 4 slot-to provide depth and flexibility. Overall, the series has illuminated Afghanistan’s ascent on the global stage; their continued growth will hinge on fine‑tuning strategic decisions, enhancing skill sets, and fostering mental resilience under high‑stakes conditions.
Emily Kadanec
February 19, 2025 AT 06:59Nice game.
william wijaya
March 9, 2025 AT 19:26It’s moving to see how the series unfolded, the tactical adjustments, the pressure moments-all of it resonates deeply with anyone who lives for the sport. The way Afghanistan handled the early setbacks, the resilience they showed, mirrors a broader narrative about emerging nations finding their voice on the world stage. The South African comeback, meanwhile, highlights the importance of experience and strategic depth. As a fan, I appreciate how both sides contributed to a compelling storyline that goes beyond the numbers, offering lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the sheer love of the game.