The series win was like a perfectly executed yorker completely unplayable and leaving the opposition in a state of shock! This achievement marked a significant milestone for the Afghan team, demonstrating their growing prowess on the international stage. The series saw standout performances from Afghanistan’s emerging stars, who played a pivotal role in their team’s success.

Fazalhaq Farooqi

Fazalhaq Farooqi was the architect of Afghanistan’s dominant victory in the first ODI, where his sensational bowling dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup. The left-arm pacer registered remarkable figures of 4-35 in seven overs, setting the tone for the series. Bowling with precision and guile, Farooqi's spell saw South Africa crumble to a mere 106 runs in 33.3 overs.

Farooqi’s early breakthroughs were crucial for Afghanistan, as he took the first three wickets, dismissing Reeza Hendricks (9), Aiden Markram (2), and Tony de Zorzi (11), leaving South Africa at 25-3. He later claimed Wiaan Mulder, the top scorer with 52, finishing with a memorable four-wicket haul. Supported by Allah Ghazanfar’s 3-20, South Africa crumbled to a low total. Afghanistan chased down the target comfortably, winning by eight wickets and asserting their intent for the series!

Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s blistering century in the second ODI was crucial to Afghanistan’s commanding total of 311-4. The 22-year-old opener smashed 105 off 110 balls, giving Afghanistan a solid platform in their innings. His aggressive intent against the South African bowlers allowed Afghanistan to dominate right from the start.

Opening the innings, Gurbaz put on a fine partnership of 88 with Riaz Hassan, followed by a century stand with Rahmat Shah (50). His innings, studded with 10 fours and three sixes, kept the pressure on the South African bowlers, who struggled to find any rhythm. After laying a strong foundation, Gurbaz was eventually bowled by Nandre Burger, but his contribution had already set the tone for a big total.

Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan celebrated his birthday in style during the second ODI by delivering a match-winning performance with the ball. The 26-year-old leg-spinner picked up a sensational five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5-19 in nine overs, as South Africa were bowled out for just 134. With that historic 177 victory, Afghanistan made a statement louder than a crowd.

Rashid’s impact was immediate, as he dismissed Tony de Zorzi (31) in his very first over with a delivery that was pushed across off-stump, forcing the batter to edge it behind. From there, Rashid ran through the middle order, claiming the wickets of Tristan Stubbs (5) and Kyle Verreynne (2), both of whom were undone by his variations. Stubbs fell to a well-placed leg slip, while Verreynne was trapped lbw by a googly.

Rashid’s experience and tactical brilliance were on full display as he dismissed Wiaan Mulder (2) and South African captain Aiden Markram (31), completing his five-fer with a wrong'un that bowled Markram. Rashid’s birthday heroics ensured that South Africa had no chance of recovering, as Afghanistan cruised to a thumping win.

Not to be outdone, young left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote also impressed with 4-26, playing a crucial supporting role to Rashid. Together, the Afghan spinners bamboozled South Africa, handing Afghanistan one of their most significant wins in one-day cricket.