Afghanistan achieved their most significant series win to date, defeating South Africa by 177 runs in Sharjah on Friday, marking their first victory over a top-five ICC-ranked team. The win gives Afghanistan a 2-0 lead in the series, with one match remaining.

After dominating South Africa with the ball in the previous game, Afghanistan showcased their batting strength, posting a challenging total of 311 for 4. Rahmanullah Gurbaz led the charge with a brilliant 105, becoming Afghanistan’s leading ODI centurion with his seventh hundred. Azmatullah Omarzai added an unbeaten 86, propelling Afghanistan to their tenth 300-plus total.

In response, South Africa started strong with Tony de Zorzi and Temba Bavuma, but Afghanistan’s spinners soon dismantled their lineup. Rashid Khan, celebrating his 26th birthday, took a stunning 5 for 19, while Nangeyalia Kharote claimed 4 for 26. South Africa crumbled to 134 all out in 34.2 overs, losing all 10 wickets in just over 20 overs, suffering their fifth-largest defeat by runs.

Afghanistan’s total was built on key partnerships, starting with an 88-run stand between Gurbaz and Riaz Hassan, followed by a 101-run partnership between Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah. Omarzai’s late blitz, which included four sixes, helped Afghanistan add 93 runs in the final 10 overs. Lungi Ngidi managed to take wickets towards the end, but South Africa struggled to contain Afghanistan’s aggressive finish.

South Africa’s chase started well, with Bavuma and de Zorzi adding 73 runs. However, Bavuma’s wicket triggered a collapse as Rashid and Kharote spun through the middle and lower order. South Africa lost their last 10 wickets for just 61 runs, unable to handle Afghanistan’s dominant spin attack.

The victory, highlighted by Rashid Khan’s fifth five-wicket haul and Gurbaz’s superb century, cements Afghanistan’s growing reputation in world cricket.