Aiden Markram scored a composed half-century to guide the Proteas to a consolation win in the third One-Day International against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Stadium on Sunday.
The Proteas prevented a series whitewash in the United Arab Emirates with a complete performance with ball, bat and in the field in their seven-wicket win against an Afghanistan team who were without their star spinner Rashid Khan and left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi.
After bundling out the “hosts” 169 in 34 overs, the Proteas reached 170/3 in 33 overs, with Markram unbeaten with a well-played 69 and Tristan Stubbs finishing on 26 not out.
The Afghan team side completely dominated the first two matches of the series, after the Proteas have wilted in the face of their relentless spin onslaught.
Andile Phehlukwayo is on fire 🔥![CDATA[]]>🔥
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) September 22, 2024
Two wickets in an over for the all-rounder 😎
📺 Stream #SAvAFG on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw#WozaNawe | #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/rMFL7lOriP
The Proteas lost the first match by six wickets after they were bowled out for 106 after winning the toss and batting first. In the second match, the Proteas were bundled out for 134 after being 73/1 chasing 311.
However, Afghanistan went through the motions in Sunday’s third ODI. The in-form Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the only batter to provide some resistance at the crease, stroking 89 off 94 balls.
There were three run-outs during their innings, while lower-order batter AM Ghazanfar (31 not out off 15 balls) hit a few lusty blows towards the end of their time at the crease.
For the Proteas, speedster Lungi Ngidi, young spinner Nqaba Peter and Andile Phehlukwayo took two wickets each to restrict Afghanistan.
Stubbs and Markram came together at 80/3 and shared a 90-run partnership to see the South Africans over the line and restore a bit of pride after the hidings in the first two ODIs.
@JohnGoliath82